Nairobi: Under the theme "Reflection on research and development efforts of traditional medicine towards achieving universal health coverage in the African Region," the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre and the WHO Regional Office for Africa held a pivotal discussion on how to advance health for all by integrating traditional medicine into universal health coverage strategies. According to African Press Organization, African Traditional Medicine Day commemorates a significant resolution adopted by the WHO Regional Committee for Africa in 2000, acknowledging the crucial role of traditional medicine in providing accessible and culturally grounded care across Africa. In many rural communities, traditional health practitioners serve as the primary healthcare providers. The event featured contributions from Professor Martins Emeje, Director-General of the Nigeria Natural Medicine Development Agency, and Chief Temitayo Faruq Erogbogbo, Baaloro of Ikorodu Kingdom. The discussion, moderated by Kenyan youth res earcher Fionah Njeri, focused on the evolving nature of traditional medicine and its potential to enhance primary health care through research, regulation, and investment. Chief Temitayo Faruq Erogbogbo emphasized the importance of trust as a foundational element in healthcare, noting that traditional health practitioners often serve as the first point of care. The discussion highlighted the complementary role of traditional medicine alongside biomedical services in improving health outcomes. Participants called for stronger collaboration among researchers, policymakers, and communities to unlock Africa's rich health knowledge traditions and biodiversity resources. They stressed the need to document traditional knowledge to preserve it for future generations. The discussion aligned with WHO's vision of integrating traditional medicine into health systems to create more people-centered, culturally resonant care. The WHO Global Traditional Medicine Strategy 2025-2034 identifies key priorities such as researc h, regulation, integration, and collaboration to strengthen health systems and promote evidence-based traditional medicine. Across Africa, countries are marking African Traditional Medicine Day with various activities. In Cameroon, the Minister of Public Health has decentralized the commemoration to be held simultaneously across regions. Madagascar and Mozambique are also organizing events, while South Africa's national commemoration will feature the Minister of Health and a keynote from the WHO Representative. Zimbabwe will host an event in Marondera with participation from the First Lady, Dr. Auxilia Mnangagwa. The overarching message from the event was clear: Invest in evidence, empower traditional health practitioners, and leverage Africa's knowledge and biodiversity to expand access to quality healthcare.
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