JU Vice-Chancellor Congratulates Dr. Shakhaoat on WHO Advisory Role – A Boost for Bangladesh’s Public Health Expertise

Jahangirnagar University (JU) Vice-Chancellor Dr. Mohammad Ali has extended heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Md. Abdus Salam Shakhaoat on his prestigious appointment to a World Health Organization (WHO) advisory group focusing on traditional and complementary medicine. This appointment marks a significant achievement for Bangladesh’s academic and public health sectors, recognizing the growing expertise within the country in this critical field.

Dr. Shakhaoat’s Background and Expertise

Dr. Md. Abdus Salam Shakhaoat is a renowned physician and researcher specializing in traditional and complementary medicine, particularly Unani medicine. He holds a PhD in Unani Medicine from Aligarh Muslim University, India, and has served as a professor at the Department of Unani Medicine, Jahangirnagar University. His research focuses on the efficacy and safety of Unani formulations for various ailments, and he has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals. Dr. Shakhaoat has also been actively involved in policy development related to traditional medicine in Bangladesh, advising the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on issues related to regulation and integration of these practices into the national healthcare system. He is also a fellow of several national and international professional bodies.

The WHO Advisory Group and its Mandate

The WHO’s International Advisory Group on Traditional and Complementary Medicine (TAG-TCM) provides technical advice to the WHO on the implementation of its Traditional Medicine Strategy 2014–2023. The strategy aims to harness the potential of traditional and complementary medicine in a safe, effective, and equitable manner, integrating it into healthcare systems when appropriate. The group comprises experts from around the world with diverse backgrounds in traditional medicine, public health, pharmacology, and regulatory affairs. The TAG-TCM’s specific responsibilities include evaluating the evidence base for traditional medicine practices, developing guidelines for their safe use, and providing recommendations on policy and regulatory frameworks. This particular appointment focuses on contributing to the WHO’s ongoing work related to the development of standards and guidelines for high-quality traditional medicine products.

Implications for Bangladesh

Dr. Shakhaoat’s appointment carries several potential benefits for Bangladesh. Firstly, it enhances the country’s visibility and reputation in the global arena of traditional medicine. This recognition can attract investment in research and development, leading to the discovery of new and effective treatments based on indigenous knowledge. Secondly, it provides Bangladesh with a direct channel to influence the WHO’s policies and guidelines related to traditional medicine, ensuring that the country’s perspectives and priorities are taken into account. This is particularly important given the widespread use of traditional medicine in Bangladesh, with an estimated 70-80% of the population relying on it for primary healthcare.

Moreover, the expertise gained by Dr. Shakhaoat through his involvement in the WHO advisory group can be transferred to the Bangladeshi healthcare system. This could lead to the development of standardized training programs for practitioners of traditional medicine, improved quality control of herbal products, and greater integration of these practices into primary healthcare facilities. The Bangladesh Unani and Ayurvedic Medical College (BUAMC) and other institutions could benefit directly from this knowledge transfer.

Challenges and Risks

Despite the potential benefits, there are also challenges and risks associated with integrating traditional medicine into the healthcare system. One major concern is the lack of rigorous scientific evidence supporting the efficacy and safety of many traditional practices. Many herbal remedies have not been subjected to the same level of scrutiny as conventional drugs, and there is a risk of adverse effects or interactions with other medications.

Another challenge is the issue of quality control. Many herbal products are manufactured under substandard conditions, leading to contamination or inaccurate labeling. This poses a risk to public health and erodes consumer confidence. Regulatory frameworks need to be strengthened to ensure the quality and safety of herbal products. Counterfeit products and illegal trade also pose a threat. Finally, there is a risk of overlooking the importance of conventional medicine in favor of traditional practices, particularly in cases of serious illness. A balanced approach is needed that combines the best of both worlds.

Opportunities and Next Steps

To maximize the benefits of Dr. Shakhaoat’s appointment, several steps need to be taken. Firstly, the government should invest in research and development of traditional medicine, focusing on identifying effective and safe remedies. Secondly, regulatory frameworks need to be strengthened to ensure the quality and safety of herbal products, and to combat counterfeit trade. Thirdly, training programs for practitioners of traditional medicine need to be standardized and accredited. Collaboration between the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Jahangirnagar University, and other relevant institutions is crucial.

Furthermore, public awareness campaigns should be launched to educate the population about the benefits and risks of traditional medicine, and to promote responsible use. Finally, Bangladesh should actively participate in international forums and collaborations related to traditional medicine, sharing its expertise and learning from other countries. Dr. Shakhaoat’s involvement with the WHO provides a unique opportunity to position Bangladesh as a leader in this field and to harness the potential of traditional medicine for the benefit of public health.