THE 2024 World Traditional Medicine Conference took place today at the China National Convention Centre in Beijing, People’s Republic of China.
Union Minister Dr Thet Khaing Win attended alongside the PRC’s Minister of Health, senior officials from invited nations, high-ranking representatives of the World Health Organization (WHO), and other distinguished guests.
The event began with the reading of a congratulatory message from Chinese President Xi Jinping. Professor Yu Yanhong, Head of the National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, followed with a welcoming speech.
The opening addresses included remarks from the WHO Regional Director for the Western Pacific and a speech by the WHO Director-General via videoconferencing. Mr Lei Haichao, China’s Minister of Health, delivered the keynote speech, and Vice-Premier Mr Liu Guozhong officially inaugurated the conference.
A high-level roundtable discussion followed the opening ceremony, featuring health ministers from participating countries. Union Minister Dr Thet Khaing Win highlighted the significance of traditional medicine in national healthcare systems, advocating for the integration of traditional and modern medicine to improve healthcare outcomes. He stressed the importance of advancing research to enhance the acceptance and efficacy of traditional medicine. Dr Thet Khaing Win addressed key topics, including international collaboration in the production of traditional medicines, intellectual property rights associated with traditional medicine, ensuring the quality, safety, and efficacy of traditional medicines and promoting regional cooperation to produce high-quality traditional medicines.
He highlighted Myanmar’s ongoing efforts, such as collaboration with ASEAN countries and Shanghai Cooperation Organization member states, and noted that Myanmar hosts an annual traditional medicine conference to facilitate international collaboration and knowledge exchange.
The session concluded with a group photo to commemorate the event.
MNA/TMT
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