FG to integrate traditional medicine into national healthcare
The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Ishaq Salako, has restated the Federal Government’s plan to integrate traditional medicine into Nigeria’s healthcare system once it meets scientific standards of safety and effectiveness.
Speaking at this year’s African Traditional Medicine Day in Abuja, Dr Salako said the event, marked annually by the World Health Organisation (WHO), creates awareness and encourages collaboration between traditional healers, policymakers, and communities.
“For many Nigerians, especially in rural areas, traditional medicine is the first or only option for healthcare. But to make it truly useful, our practices must undergo proper scientific testing,” he said.
The Minister urged traditional medicine practitioners to work with government institutions and embrace scientific research, stressing that this is the only way their products can gain global acceptance.
Also, the National President of the National Association of Nigeria Traditional Medicine Practitioners, Dr Shaba Maikudi, said Nigeria has the knowledge and resources to use natural remedies to solve health challenges.
He noted that the Association is committed to aligning with international best practices through collaboration with NAFDAC, researchers, and insurance bodies.
Dr Maikudi disclosed that efforts are underway to standardise dosages in line with WHO guidelines, while training programmes are being introduced to improve practitioners’ skills.
He also said that a committee has been set up to identify and remove quacks from the profession.
Dr Maikudi assured that the Association will fully comply with upcoming national guidelines on traditional medicine, which it helped to develop.
Other experts, including Dr Kulu Fakeye, Pharmacist Masood Lawal, and WHO’s Dr Hamzat Omotayo, who made presentations, called for more research and innovation in African traditional medicine.
The theme for this year’s African Traditional Medicine Day is “Strengthening the Evidence Base for Traditional Medicine”.
Editing by Abdullahi Lamino
