Implementation of the World Health Organization Strategy on Traditional Medicine in Cuba

Abstract

Introduction: traditional and Natural Medicine is becoming more day-by-day in the world and it is considered the main complement for health services. Cuba is not exempt from the increase of its use, so efforts have been made to develop this specialty in the country.

Objective: characterize the implementation of world health strategy of traditional medicine in Cuba, emphasizing the existing regulatory framework.

Methods: descriptive study using the World Health Organization strategy of traditional medicine and the Cuba regulatory documents and using variables, e.g total number of naturals products listed in the Essential List of natural products and pharmaceutical forms more used.

Results: Cuba has 179 natural products in the Essential list of natural products, which includes 114 and 65 products from local and industrial production respectively, the entire population has full access to its use, and it has a regulatory framework that covers phytotherapy and homeopathy.

Conclusion: Cuba is aligned with the World Health Organization strategy on the subject. Equitable access to natural products is an essential outcome of balanced regulatory and supervisory mechanisms.