Focus on the 3rd International Conference on Traditional Medicine

On July 1, 2025, the 3rd edition of the Assises Internationales des Médecines Traditionnelles was held online, bringing together experts and researchers from 12 African, Asian and European countries. Organized by the Agence Universitaire de la Francophonie with the Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD) and Madagascar's Centre National d'Application des Recherches Pharmaceutiques (CNARP), it highlighted the wealth of traditional knowledge and its role in a holistic approach to health.

In previous editions, held in Dakar (2023) and Abidjan (2024), the Assises internationales des médecines traditionnelles have addressed the themes of knowledge and the integration of traditional and modern medicines. This year, they have chosen to focus on the diversity and holistic dimensions of traditional medicines. This theme echoes the uniqueness of Madagascar, the symbolic host of this year's event, renowned for its exceptional biodiversity and mosaic of medical traditions.

Organized under the aegis of the One Health - Traditional Medicine network, the Assises internationales des médecines traditionnelles (AIMT) brought together a committed international community. Active participants included 12 countries: Benin, Comoros, Ivory Coast, France, Guinea, India, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria and Vietnam.

A rich, multidisciplinary panorama

The day explored the many facets of traditional medicines, considered an essential resource for global health. Discussions focused on four main areas:

• Human and social sciences: valuing ancestral practices, cultural representations, therapeutic legitimacy, diversity of care paths.

• Plant chemistry and efficacy: phytochemical analyses, studies on medicinal plants from Africa, Asia and the Indian Ocean, innovations in phytomedicines.

• Governance and integration: challenges of integrating traditional medicines into healthcare systems, valorization of endogenous knowledge, sustainable development, artificial intelligence.
• Health and society: the role of women in traditional health, the fight against COVID-19, the integration of traditional birth attendants, the valorization of bioproducts derived from biodiversity.

Looking to the future

The 3rd edition of the AIMT concluded with an in-depth reflection on the decolonization of science and the recognition of indigenous knowledge. This approach underlines the importance of an inclusive, global approach to health, attentive to cultural, social and environmental dimensions.

The Assises confirm the importance of an international network that fosters collaboration between disciplines and continents, so that together we can meet the health challenges of today and tomorrow. They also illustrate the relevance of the One Health concept, which promotes integrated, sustainable health that respects ecosystems.

Many thanks to all the speakers, moderators, participants and partners for the richness of the exchanges and their commitment. This 3rd edition marks a milestone in the recognition and valorization of traditional knowledge, in the service of global, sustainable health.

Source: www.auf.org/