Traditional medicine significantly contributes to addressing the healthcare needs of the Nigerian population, with over 80 percent of citizens relying on it for their primary health requirements, particularly in rural areas, according to both the Federal Government and the World Health Organization (WHO).
While traditional medicine has a strong foothold in Nigeria, WHO reveals that in the African region, 80 percent of people turn to traditional remedies for their fundamental health needs. However, the global health body underscores that the full potential of traditional medicine in terms of research, local production, and commercialization remains largely untapped on the continent.
WHO calls on Member States in the African region to escalate their efforts in implementing evidence-based Traditional Medicine (TM) approaches. This move aligns with the broader goal of attaining health-related Sustainable Development Goals and promoting the health and well-being of all age groups.
During the annual African Traditional Medicine (ATM) Day, observed under the theme “The Contribution of Traditional Medicine to Holistic Health and Well-being for All,” the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Tunji Alausa, represented by the Director of Human Resource Management, Hassan Salau, underscored the significant role played by traditional medicine in Nigeria’s healthcare landscape.
“With approximately 80 percent of the rural population using traditional medicine as their primary form of healthcare, traditional medicine has made an invaluable contribution to the health and well-being of all.”, Salau stated.
He noted that studies indicate that the use of traditional medicine in Nigeria is as high as 81.6 percent. He emphasized the accessibility, affordability, cultural acceptance, and trust associated with traditional medicine, making it a prominent choice for a significant portion of the population.
Salau also highlighted how traditional medicine could align with the nation’s healthcare goals, saying, “The Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu seeks to bolster the economy by prioritizing Universal Health Coverage, which is expected to tackle the nation’s healthcare challenges head-on.
“The healthcare plan will also focus on encouraging and improving funding for local research into new drugs and vaccines, recognizing that many medicines originate from herbal medicine, a form of traditional medicine.”
WHO’s Regional Director for Africa, Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, who was represented by the Country Representative of the WHO, Dr. Walter Mulombo, echoed the sentiments, emphasizing the role of African Traditional Medicine Day in fostering dialogue, knowledge sharing, and collaboration among stakeholders, from traditional medicine practitioners to policymakers and researchers.
Dr Mulombo acknowledged the deep ties of African Traditional Medicine with indigenous herbalism, spirituality, and culture, underscoring its accessibility, affordability, and trustworthiness for millions across the continent.
“African Traditional Medicine, deeply intertwined with indigenous herbalism and rooted in the tapestry of African spirituality and culture, stands as a beacon of accessibility, affordability, and trust for millions across our continent.
“Twenty-five countries in the WHO Africa Region have now integrated traditional medicine into their health sciences curricula, while 20 have established training programs for traditional health practitioners and health sciences students, to strengthen human resources in both traditional medicine and primary health care. Thirty-nine countries have developed legal frameworks for traditional health practitioners.”
He called on Member States to scale up their efforts, implement evidence-based traditional medicine approaches, and align with the Sustainable Development Goals to promote health and well-being for all.