The Federal Government has promised to optimize the strengths of traditional medicine and facilitate its effective integration into national health systems, in order to achieve universal health coverage and all health-related sustainable development goals.
The Minister of State for Health and Social Development, Dr. Tunji Alausa, disclosed this at the 2023 African Traditional Medicine Day Celebration on Thursday in Abuja.
Alausa, represented by the Director of Human Resources, Malam Hassan Salau, said the government will continue to work with support from WHO, WAHO, and other partners like the Embassies of China and India to develop Nigeria’s Traditional Medicine for local use and commercialisation.
He said this year’s theme, ‘The Contribution of Traditional Medicine to Holistic Health and Well-being for All’, encapsulates the essence of the government’s commitment to recognising and harnessing the rich heritage of African Traditional Medicine.
He stated that the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu seeks to strengthen the economy by prioritising Universal Health coverage, which is expected to frontally address the nation’s healthcare challenges.
“The healthcare plan will also focus on encouraging and improving funding for local research on new drugs and vaccines. It is a well-established fact that many medicines have their origins in herbal medicine, which is a form of traditional medicine.”
“Our approach to optimising the strengths of our traditional medicine will also focus on favourable policies, institutional and political support, our rich biodiversity, qualitative data, scientific research, and the use of innovation to optimise the contribution of traditional medicine to universal health coverage and sustainable development, and will also be guided by respect for our indigenous resources and intellectual property rights.”
“During the COVID-19 period, several traditional medicine practitioners made claims on possible medicines for the management of the disease.”
“The Ministry received about 35 products from these practitioners, which were forwarded to NAFDAC for further analysis and possible listing. We can also recall that the Madagascar Organic COVID-19 cure originated from medicinal plants.”
“As we celebrate the strengths of traditional medicine, we must also strive to address the challenges that persist.”
“Integration and collaboration between modern medical practises and traditional medicine are essential.
“We must ensure that our traditional healers have access to proper training, research, and resources, allowing them to standardise their expertise while also aligning with international best practices.”
“This collaboration can lead to a healthcare system that is truly comprehensive and inclusive, benefiting all members of our society”. He said
The World Health Organisation Representative, Dr Walter Kazadi Mulombo, while speaking at the event said that 2023 theme, ‘The Contribution of Traditional Medicine to Holistic Health and Well-being for All’, echoes the resonance of the inaugural WHO Traditional Medicine Global Summit held in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India, on August 17–18, 2023.
“The global summit catalysed political commitment and evidence-based action on traditional medicine, which is the first port of call for millions of people worldwide to address their health needs.
He equally noted that in recognition of the enduring significance of African Traditional Medicine and its integral role in enhancing health and well-being across the African continent, for the past two decades, every year, the 31st of August marks the celebration of African Traditional Medicine Day in the WHO African Region.
Mulombo also stressed that throughout these years, Member States have witnessed the flourishing of African Traditional Medicine Day as a dynamic platform for dialogue, exchange, and knowledge sharing.
“It has united stakeholders—from traditional medicine practitioners to policymakers, from researchers to international partners—in a common pursuit of best practices, groundbreaking evidence, and innovative solutions that showcase the immense potential of traditional medicine in nurturing holistic health and well-being for all.
He then urged Member States to scale up their efforts and further implement evidence-based Traditional Medicine approaches to achieve health-related Sustainable Development Goals and promote health and well-being for all at all ages.
“I urge Member States to apply local knowledge, science, technology, and innovation to unlock the contribution of TM to advancing planetary health and people’s well-being across the life course through regional and culturally appropriate nutrition and lifestyles within sustainable environments.”
“Establish a high-level consultative mechanism with Indigenous Knowledge Holders to guarantee their full participation and consultation in adopting and implementing relevant policies and actions associated with biodiversity management and Traditional Knowledge.”
“Facilitate effective integration of traditional medicine into national health systems, contributing to achieving universal health coverage and all health-related sustainable development goals.”
“Where appropriate, Member States should redefine laws, policies, and health services to enable holistic and relevant decisions and seamless choices with a transformative focus on prevention, maintenance, and primary healthcare.”
“Develop standards for the curriculum for continued training and education of traditional health practitioners to facilitate their integration into primary healthcare services.
“Accelerate the research, production, regulation, and formal utilisation of evidence-based traditional and indigenous products in national health systems.”
“Develop monitoring systems and indicators for traditional medicine within national health information systems, enabling the measurement and redirection of traditional medicine practises within countries.” He added.
