The federal government has committed to enhancing traditional medicine in Nigeria by implementing favorable policies, fostering scientific research, and promoting innovation to achieve sustainable outcomes.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

During the commemoration of the 2023 African Traditional Medicine (ATM) Day in Abuja, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Adetunji Alausa, reiterated this commitment.

Mr. Alausa, represented by the Ministry’s Director of Human Resources Management, Hassan Salau, emphasized the importance of integration and collaboration between modern medical practices and traditional medicine….CONTINUE READING

The World Health Organization (WHO) designated August 31 as ATM Day in 2001, urging member states to assess the progress of incorporating traditional medicine into national health systems.

Mr. Alausa underscored the need to provide traditional healers with proper training, research opportunities, and resources to standardize their expertise and align with international best practices.

He believed that such collaboration could lead to a comprehensive and inclusive healthcare system, benefiting all members of society.

Nigeria pledged to take evidence-based actions in support of traditional medicine, recognizing its role as an initial recourse for millions worldwide seeking healthcare and well-being solutions.

The nation would collaborate with WHO, West African Health Organization (WAHO), and other partners, including the embassies of China and India, to develop traditional medicine for local use and commercialization.

The minister highlighted that studies indicated a high utilization rate of traditional medicine in Nigeria, with 81.6% of the population relying on it. As global disease burdens are projected to rise, the use of traditional medicine is expected to persist.

In alignment with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes Universal Health Coverage (UHC), Nigeria intends to address healthcare challenges and enhance funding for local research on new drugs and vaccines. Mr. Alausa also noted that many conventional medicines have their origins in herbal medicine, a form of traditional medicine.

Nigeria’s approach to optimizing traditional medicine will involve favorable policies, institutional and political support, leveraging the country’s rich biodiversity, utilizing qualitative data, promoting scientific research, and employing innovation to enhance the contribution of traditional medicine to UHC and sustainable development.