African Delegation Visits AIIA to Explore Traditional Medicine & Ayurveda of India

A 15-member delegation comprising High Commissioners & Ambassadors from East and Southern African Countries embarked on a journey to explore the potential of India's Traditional Medicine Systems and Integrative Healthcare.

The delegation's visit on Tuesday took them to the All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA) in New Delhi, where they gained insights into cutting-edge advancements in Ayurveda and Integrative Health Care. Sarbananda Sonowal, Minister of Ayush and Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, extended a warm welcome to the African delegation and emphasized the significance of their visit. He stated that this collaboration holds the promise of advancing Universal Health Coverage in African nations by harnessing the potential of India's Traditional Medicine Systems.

Sarbananda Sonowal highlighted the pivotal role of Ayurveda and other Traditional Medicine systems in addressing global healthcare needs, noting the recognition of their potential by the World Health Organization. He further underscored how integrating Traditional Medicine into mainstream healthcare could bridge access gaps for millions of people worldwide, fostering a people-centred and holistic approach to health and well-being.

The African delegation received a traditional Indian welcome at AIIA before embarking on a tour of the institute, including its hospital and outpatient department. They were provided with firsthand experiences of the significant strides made in primary and tertiary healthcare, as well as adjuvant therapy, through Ayurveda.

AIIA stands as a beacon of excellence as an apex institute under the Ministry of Ayush, synergizing the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda with modern diagnostic tools and technology. It boasts the distinction of being the first A++ NAAC accredited Ayurveda institute in India and holds NABH accreditation for its state-of-the-art, unique tertiary care hospital. AIIA offers integrated Ayush outpatient services, 30 general and super-specialty outpatient departments, as well as integrative services in Rheumatology, Dentistry, and Oncology.

The African delegation left deeply impressed by the multifaceted offerings of AIIA. Dr. Tanuja Nesari, Director of AIIA, highlighted the institute's commitment to global outreach, having entered into Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with over 50 research organizations, reputed institutions, and universities, including 17 of international repute.

This historic visit of the African delegation follows the successful G20 Leaders Summit held in New Delhi earlier this month. The theme of India's 2023 G20 Presidency, 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbkam', reflects Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of "one earth, one family, one future" and embraces the rich and diverse traditions of India. The G20 Leaders' declaration recognized the importance of Indian Traditional Medicine Systems and emphasized their potential role in healthcare.

Moreover, the WHO-Global Summit on Traditional Medicine, held in Gujarat, Gandhinagar in August 2023, witnessed increasing acceptance of Traditional Medicine, reinforcing its importance in global healthcare.

The high-level delegation included distinguished representatives such as Brig. Gen. Aloys Bizidavy, Ambassador of Burundi, Demeke Atnafu Ambulo, Ambassador of Ethiopia, Dr. Godfrey Majoni Chipare, Ambassador from Zimbabwe, Thabang Linus Kholumo, Cd'A from Lesotho, and several other esteemed diplomats, collectively contributing to fostering stronger ties between India and African nations in the realm of healthcare and traditional medicine.