Lateefah Ibrahim and Tanimu Hassan, Lagos
Nigeria is determined to revolutionise its healthcare system by transforming traditional medicine into evidence-based medicine, to fully harness its potential.
At an event in Lagos, the Nigeria Natural Medicine Development Agency (NNMDA) said it was at the forefront of integrating traditional medicine into modern healthcare.
According to the NNMDA Director General, the Agency aims to preserve Nigeria’s indigenous knowledge, promote innovation in healthcare, and empower communities through the integration of natural medicine with its initiatives.
He identified documentation as being a great challenge, due to poor regulation, training concerns and safety issues, which he said, would be surmounted, with the right political will.
A neurotoxicologist and integrative medicine expert, Dr. John Tor-Agbidye highlighted the importance of training and documentation in building trust and credibility in traditional medicine.
Future generations
He recommended empowering the traditional medicine council; establishing traditional medicine colleges and documentation centers as well as providing funds and incentives.
Other measures are raising public awareness of evidence-based Traditional Medicine and providing financial support for research, encouraging innovation, new drug discovery, and protecting cultural heritage for future generations.
The Pioneer Head of Department, Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicine in the Federal Ministry of Health, Hajiya Zainab Shariff noted that Nigeria has professional herbal practitioners who can turn natural medicinal plants into ready-to-use medicines for various ailments.
She emphasised the need for practicality in research and discussions, stating that recent innovations in technology and research findings are driving changes.