Apimondia in Africa IV: apitherapy & genetically modified crops

摘要

Elsewhere in this report I have alluded to the wide range of papers presented at Aplmondia conferences. In perhaps no other area is this more evident than in the presentations in Durban under the aegis of the Standing Commission on Apitherapy. In his opening address, the President, Dr. Theo Cherbuliez, said the Commission is only four years old. Its main activities are "humanitarian projects." These have a scientific basis, are considered superior to current "industrial" approach to medicine (e.g.bee products and essential oils vs. antibiotics and cortisone), and are compatible with both the health requirements and economy of regions served. The Commission also does teaching and research on the practice of apitherapy. Most countries where the Commission is dedicating its efforts are in the developing world. The largest current program is in Cuba, but others include Morocco, Burkina Faso, and Cameroon. The Cuba project implements what Dr. Cherbuliez calls a "green medicine" protocol. Within thiscontext, the use of "pure" products is not considered desirable. It might even be called a "curse," he said, as resistance can be invoked on pure products more so than on mixed ones. The protocol in Cuba is carried out under the sponsorship of universities, involves a large number of patients (2,000) in fourteen regions and encompasses not only bee products, but also essential oils (plant distillates).