Luanda — The Angolan minister of Health, Sílvia Lutucuta, said Monday that the traditional therapist Kitoko Maiavangua, also known as "Avô Kitoko", was a reference figure and a driving force in the training of young therapists in Angola.

In a condolence message to which ANGOP had access, the minister recognises the deceased as a pioneer in the expansion and dissemination of traditional medicine, whose contribution was marked in the elaboration of the Traditional Medicine Policy and in all phases of the identification and registration of more than two thousand national and foreign therapists.

Sílvia Lutucuta also considered Avó Kitoko a tireless partner of the Ministry of Health (MINSA).

"Papa Kitoko contributed a lot in the treatment of the mentally ill and, many times, was an intercessor mediator for the recognition and development of this medicine, a true patriot, knowledgeable about traditional heritage and its power", states the message of the minister.

In her message, the minister deemed the late therapist a good interpreter of traditional medicine who took it beyond borders, leaving an invaluable legacy.

Avô Kitoko, who was the Executive Chairman of the National Chamber of the Angola Traditional Medicine Forum and Patron of the Kitoko Foundation, died on Sunday in Luanda, victim of a car accident.

Kitoko Mayavangua was notable in philanthropic actions, in the country with emphasis on Luanda where he was based and deeply involved in the recovery of individuals with mental disorders, coupled with his social intervention moves.