At CRESEM, Hans Adido explored the legal framework for traditional medicine in Benin.
Key Takeaway: At CRESEM, Hans Adido explored the legal framework for traditional medicine in Benin.
Hans Adido, researcher at CRESEM (Université de Perpignan Via Domitia).
Thesis defended in 2025 at the doctoral school École doctorale INTER-MED (Perpignan ; 2011-....).
Referenced in the ABES/STAR network, this thesis meets the rigor standards of French higher education.
Context and Problem Statement
Traditional medicine is widely practiced in sub-Saharan Africa, where it constitutes a significant response to limited access to modern healthcare. In Benin, a large share of the population turns to these practices, often rooted in belief systems and ancestral knowledge. However, this practice develops within a vague and often insufficiently regulated legal framework, which raises concerns about patient safety and the protection of traditional knowledge. The current regulatory framework does not guarantee the safety of treatments and exposes users to potential risks, particularly because the practice is often carried out by individuals who are untrained and uncertified.
This thesis by Hans Adido, defended at the Université de Perpignan, aims to analyze the legal framework surrounding traditional medicine in Benin and to propose reforms to establish clear and effective regulation. Drawing on legal models from other regions of the world, the study seeks to formulate concrete recommendations to strengthen user safety while preserving traditional knowledge.
Methodology
The approach adopted in this research is based on a comparative analysis of legal systems relating to traditional medicine in different regions, including Asia, Latin America, and Europe. This methodology makes it possible to identify relevant models for the Beninese context. The sources used include legislative texts, case studies, surveys conducted among traditional medicine practitioners, and interviews with stakeholders in the health sector. This diversity of sources contributes to an in-depth understanding of the issues related to regulating traditional medicine and the specific challenges it faces in Benin.
Key Findings
Traditional Medicine Practices and User Safety
The study reveals that traditional medicine is the primary form of care for a majority of the Beninese population. However, the lack of training and certification among practitioners raises safety concerns. The treatments administered are not subject to rigorous controls, which can expose patients to risks of adverse effects or inappropriate treatments. The thesis highlights the need to establish training standards for practitioners and to set up treatment certification mechanisms, similar to those in place in modern medicine.
Protection of Traditional Knowledge
Another essential point is the protection of traditional knowledge against biopiracy and the illegitimate exploitation of natural resources. Ancestral knowledge, often exploited without benefit to local communities, requires a legal framework for protection. The thesis proposes drawing on international legal instruments, such as the Nagoya Protocol, to ensure that traditional resources and knowledge are used fairly and respectfully, thereby ensuring adequate compensation for the communities of origin.
Integration of Health Systems
The integration of traditional medicine into modern health systems is also a major focus of the thesis's recommendations. By harmonizing traditional practices with contemporary health standards, Benin could improve access to care and strengthen the sustainability of its ancestral knowledge. The recommendations include developing integrated health policies that recognize the value of traditional medicine while establishing safety standards.
Discussion and Outlook
The results of this thesis highlight the critical issues surrounding the regulation of traditional medicine in Benin. The need for a clear, effective legal framework is evident, both to ensure user safety and to protect traditional knowledge. The recommendations made, drawing on international models, aim to establish regulation that is both respectful of cultural specificities and compliant with public health standards.
The importance of practitioner training and treatment certification is highlighted as a central element in ensuring user safety. At the same time, protecting traditional knowledge against biopiracy represents a major challenge that requires the commitment of policymakers and health sector stakeholders.
Future research prospects could explore the impact of the proposed reforms on the quality of traditional medicine care and assess their effectiveness in improving patient safety. In addition, an in-depth study of the implementation of regulation through case studies in other sub-Saharan African countries could enrich the understanding of the dynamics at play and the best practices to adopt.
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Sources and Access
Hans Adido. L'encadrement juridique de la médecine traditionnelle en Afrique sub-saharienne : cas du Bénin. Droit. Université de Perpignan, 2025. Français. ⟨NNT : 2025PERP0010⟩. ⟨tel-05274071⟩