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LUSAKA, Jan. 21 (Xinhua) -- Zambia should seek the technical expertise of China in the application of conventional herbal medicines and traditional medicines, an industry body said on Thursday.

Rodwell Vongo, president of the Traditional Health Practitioners Association of Zambia (THPAZ) said he has visited China and seen how China has managed to blend conventional and traditional medicines in the treatment of various ailments.

"I have visited China and India and I have seen how they are utilizing traditional medicines in their health systems. They have schools where they are teaching these," he said in an interview.

He said there was need for collaborative efforts between the Chinese and local doctors and scientists in conducting research on various traditional trees to determine their efficacy in the treatment of diseases.

According to him, the increased disease burden which has been worsened by COVID-19 requires the use of various treatment and management methods, adding that traditional medicines could play a vital role.

Minister of Health Jonas Chanda said there was no doubt that China was at the forefront in utilizing traditional remedies in its health system which must be emulated.

He said Zambia has a lot of traditional medicines with remedial effects that have not been fully exploited, adding that it was time to pursue the approach. Enditem