Some medical experts have emphasized the need to further integrate African traditional medicines into modern healthcare systems.
They reiterated this during a webinar organised by Nigeria Natural Medicine Development Agency, NNMDA, in commemoration of the African Traditional Medicine Day.
Neurotoxicologist and Integrative medicine expert, Dr John Tor-Agbidye in a keynote address pointed out that training and documentation were important in building trust and and credibility in traditional medicines.
He highlighted the benefits of documentation to include integration into national health systems, encourage innovation and new drug discovery, and protect the cultural heritage for future generations.
Dr. Tor-Agbidye recommended strengthening laws & empowering Traditional Medicine Council, establishment of Traditional Medicine colleges & documentation centers, providing funds, and incentives as well as raising public awareness of evidence-based Traditional Medicine.
Contributing, the pioneer Head of Department, Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicine in the Federal Ministry of Health, Hajiya Zainab Shariff, pointed out that the country had professional herbal practitioners who could turn natural medicinal plants into ready-to-use medicines for various ailments.
Hajia Sharif who said it was time for practicality of research and discussions, stated that things are beginning to change with recent innovations brought by advancements in technology and research findings.
The Director General, NNMDA, Professor Martins Emeje, in a remark said the Africa Traditional Medicine Day has been marked every year, for the past two decades, to celebrate the integral role of traditional medicine in the health and welfare of generations of people on the continent.
The event with the theme: “Training and Documentation: The panacea for strengthening evidence base for Traditional Medicine in Nigeria” focused on supporting the growth of traditional medicines, including the use of herbs and plant-based preparations, known as herbal medicines, as well as practical procedures like traditional bone setting,, dieting, herbal therapies, bathing, massage, and surgical procedures.
Reporting by Olusegun Haastrup