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Transcript/ScriptKenya Chinese Herbal Clinics (TV)
HEADLINE: China Exports Traditional Chinese Medicine to Africa
TEASER: Traditional Chinese medicine described as “a shot in the arm for China’s soft power.”
PUBLISHED AT: 01/24/2022 AT 8:30AM
BYLINE: Victoria Amunga
DATELINE: Nairobi
VIDEOGRAPHER: Robert Lutta
VIDEO EDITOR:
SCRIPT EDITORS: DLJ, ELee, BR, DJ balance check
VIDEO SOURCE (S): All VOA
PLATFORMS (mark with X): WEB __ TV X RADIO _X_
TRT: 3:30
VID APPROVED BY: MAS
TYPE: TVPKG
EDITOR NOTES: ))
((INTRO)) [[Beijing has been exporting traditional Chinese medicine around the world, including to countries on the African continent. With claims of helping with COVID, these herbal clinics are welcomed by some while others are raising concerns about the effectiveness of such medicines, and the lack of regulation in the field. Victoria Amunga reports from Nairobi.]]
((NARRATOR))
Eighty-five-year-old Hing Pal Singh is among dozens of patients with daily appointments at the Oriental Chinese Herbal Clinic in Nairobi.
Singh has been suffering from spinal problems for five years and is now trying out this clinic for treatment.
((Hing Pal Singh, Herbal Clinic Patient)) ((In English, 25 secs))
''There is a slight difference as I was telling him. It's only a week now. It will take at least, another twelve to fifteen sessions. Then we see how it goes.”
((NARRATOR))
Traditional Chinese medicine, or TMC, is becoming more popular in Africa, according to a 2020 study by Development Reimagined, a Beijing-based international consultancy firm.
A February 2020 op-ed written by a Beijing think tank researcher and published In state media China Daily said such traditional medicine would “boost the Chinese economy, contribute to global health and prove to be a shot in the arm for China's soft power.”
But conventional medical doctors say patients are overlooking the potential harm that some herbal remedies can cause, especially if used too frequently or at too high a dosage.
((Dr. Sultan Matendechere, National Public Health Institute (English 22 secs)) "They do work in quite a number of circumstances. Having said that, our main worry as practitioners, the medical practitioners, is that the use of herbal medicine is not as regulated as we would want it to be.”
((NARRATOR))
Although the safety and effectiveness of traditional Chinese medicine is still debated worldwide, herbal practitioners like Li Chuan continue to gain popularity among those seeking alternative medication.
Li claims some of his patients are benefiting from purported COVID-19 remedies, although there is scant scientific evidence that they can help against the disease.
((Li Chuan, Herbal Practitioner) (English 7secs ))
"Many people buy our herbal tea to counter COVID-19. The results are good."
((NARRATOR))
Environmentalists fear the growth of traditional Chinese medicine will encourage poachers to go after endangered wildlife like rhinos and some species of snakes used in making the potions.
((Daniel Wanjuki, Ecologist (English 22secs))
"The rhino in Kenya is actually one of the good examples. With people saying that the rhino horn may actually be used as aphrodisiac, this has led to almost the complete eradication of the rhino species in Kenya and in Africa in general."
((NARRATOR))
Kenya spends an estimated two-point-seven billion dollars each year on health care, according to national statistics.
Some economists say herbal medicine can significantly lower the cost of medical expenses in the continent if proven effective.
((Ken Gichinga, Economist) (English 18 secs))
“Africans spend quite a lot of money traveling to countries such as India and the UAE to get treatment. So, if this can provide more natural cost-effective healthcare, ‘cause cost effectiveness is a big pack of reasons why people choose different types of healthcare.”
((NARRATOR))
In 2021, Kenya’s national drug regulator, the Pharmacy and Poisons Board, approved the sale of Chinese herbal health products in the country.
Practitioners like Li hope that more nations will approve Chinese herbal medicine in the future.
((Victoria Amunga, for VOA News, Nairobi))
NewsML Media TopicsHealth
NetworkVOA
Embargo DateJanuary 24, 2022 14:40 EST
Brand / Language ServiceVoice of America - English
