ADDIS ABABA, Nov. 11 (Xinhua) -- A high-level Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) delegation on Wednesday visited the Armauer Hansen Research Institute (AHRI) in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia, to strengthen bilateral cooperation in traditional medicine research and development.
The delegation, led by Gu Zhishan, professor of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, discussed with officials of the institute how TCM can help prevent and manage a variety of diseases by combining low-cost physical therapies and herbal medicines.
Gu said TCM involves achieving balance and harmony between the human body and nature, rather than treating isolated illness and offering relief to all kinds of illnesses.
"We would like to take this opportunity to share with you our knowledge on TCM, which combines preventive care and natural therapies," Gu said, highlighting that TCM experts are willing to share their knowledge with Ethiopian counterparts.
Messay Woldemariam, deputy director general of the AHRI, said Ethiopia is trying to integrate traditional medicines with modern ones, noting that China's long years of knowledge and experience in traditional medicine would be particularly important in advancing traditional therapies in Ethiopia.
"China can help advance Ethiopian traditional medicines and expand the use of herbal medicine to treat a variety of illnesses. There are about 600 registered herbal medicines in Ethiopia, and we want China's support to develop them into new products," he said.
He also called for closer cooperation on product development and standardization, joint research, capacity building, scientific networking and institutional partnership between the two sides.
The delegation also visited the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa on Tuesday, where Gu briefed officials on TCM's role in promoting harmony between people and nature, and its approaches to disease prevention and treatment. ■