This review of trade in wildlife medicinals in east and southern Africa and Madagascar has resulted in findings with implications for conservation and management of natural resources in the region. Although the situation differs from country to country with regard to the status of the environment, national health needs, and the many pressures affecting flora and fauna, general themes were seen to apply.
Traditional medicine is crucial to the region's health care.
The acceptance of traditional medicine in the region is reflected by the integration of traditional medicine into government health care schemes in several countries, for example, in Lesotho, Namibia, Somalia, Sudan, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Where official participation in government health policy does not occur, other governments in the region offer support or recognition of traditional medicine in their countries, for example, in Botswana, Eritrea, Madagascar and Mozambique. In other words, in the majority of countries surveyed, not only is traditional medicine favoured among the people, but there is a favourable attitude also at government level. TMPs are beginning to practise more openly and associations of TMPs have been established in most countries in the region studied, with varying degrees of success. Such associations have taken an active role in revising or revoking antiquated legislation, influencing government policies, and promoting their practice and the overall reputation of traditional medicine.