African health leaders urge scientific integration of traditional medicine

On the occasion of the 24th African Traditional Medicine Day, health authorities and the World Health Organization (WHO) are calling for the increased integration and scientific validation of traditional medicine across Africa to achieve Universal Health Coverage.

In Nigeria, the WHO and the Nigeria Natural Medicine Development Agency (NNMDA) have urged the government to invest in documentation, regulation, and research to bridge the gap between herbal and biomedical practices. Officials emphasized that cultural acceptance is not a substitute for scientific evidence and called for rigorous quality assurance to ensure patient safety.

In Senegal, the government is focusing on using medicinal plants to bolster pharmaceutical sovereignty by transforming traditional knowledge into standardized medicines. Similarly, in Burkina Faso, authorities are working to incorporate improved traditional medicines into national healthcare guidelines.

Across the continent, experts highlight that traditional practitioners often serve as the primary point of contact for rural populations. The goal is to move from purely traditional use toward a system supported by research, development, and formal regulatory frameworks to ensure efficacy and safety.