PHA-Exchange> UN HEALTH AGENCY ISSUES GUIDELINES ON SAFETY OF ALTERNATIVE MEDICINES

[claudio at hcmc.netnam.vn]

----from Vern Weitzel <vern.weitzel at undp.org> -----
 
UN HEALTH AGENCY ISSUES GUIDELINES ON SAFETY OF ALTERNATIVE MEDICINES
New York, Jun 23 2004  5:00PM
The United Nations World Health Organization (WHO) today announced the 
publication of guidelines aimed at helping countries and 
consumers navigate the largely unregulated world of alternative medicines.

The United Nations World Health Organization (WHO) today 
<"http://www.who.int/mediacentre/releases/2004/pr44/en/">announced the 
publication of guidelines aimed at helping countries and consumers navigate the 
largely unregulated world of alternative medicines.

Up to 80 per cent of all people in the developing world rely on traditional 
medicine for their primary health care, according to 
<"http://www.who.int/en/">WHO. In wealthy countries, many people seek out 
various types of natural remedies on the assumption that 
natural means safe. But reports of adverse reactions to these treatments are on 
the rise.

"WHO supports traditional and alternative medicines when these have 
demonstrated benefits for the patient and minimal risks," WHO 
Director-General Dr. Lee Jong-wook said. "But as more people use these 
medicines, governments should have the tools to ensure all 
stakeholders have the best information about their benefits and their risks."

The guidelines provide simple, easy to follow tips on issues to look out for 
and a brief checklist of basic questions which may be 
used to help facilitate proper use of traditional and alternative medicine.

Advice is provided to government authorities on preparing easy-to-access 
information and on working with the mass media to 
sensitize and educate the population. In addition, suggestions are given for 
several health system structures and processes needed 
to promote proper use of traditional and alternative medicines.
 
________________

For more details go to UN News Centre at http://www.un.org/news




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