Tunisia looks to localize traditional Chinese medicine

Tunisia is hoping to strengthen cooperation with China to localize traditional Chinese medicine, an expert said on Sunday.

Many people still lack access to medical facilities in the country.

Speaking at the first Sino-Tunisian traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) meeting in the eastern coastal city of Sousse, ReBali, chairman of Tunisian Acupuncture TCM Association, said that a lot of Tunisian people still have limited understanding of TCM, thinking it just as acupuncture.

"Tunisia expects to further strengthen cooperation with traditional Chinese medicine experts, to realize the localization of traditional Chinese medicine in Tunisia, by combining TCM theory with clinical treatment needs in Tunisia," ReBali said.

Acupuncture is one of the most popular TCM treatments.

Sponsored by a Chinese TCM hospital in eastern Jiangxi Province, the meeting attracted dozens of Tunisian acupuncturists and TCM experts.

Built on more than 2,500 years of medical practice, the TCM contains various forms of treatment, including herbal medicine, acupuncture, massage, exercise and dietary therapy.

The TCM is widely used in China and has won increasing recognition in other parts of the world. Chinese acupuncture was introduced into Tunisia in the 1970s and is becoming increasingly popular.

(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)