Briefing Paper

Policy Implications for Intellectual Property Systems for Traditional Healers in Lesotho

Traditional Medicine is part of the daily life of the Basotho. Every village in ancient times had a traditional healer living near the chief’s main house. Traditional healers are popular as they are affordable, accessible, adaptable and culturally familiar. However due to HIV/AIDS the biodiversity of the country is seriously threatened as a result of their activities. Policies to protect the biodiversity as well as the intellectual knowledge of healers is needed.