Experts Seek Synergy Between Traditional, Modern Medicine
Health experts and stakeholders across Nigeria are calling for deeper collaboration between traditional medicine practitioners and conventional medical professionals as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the country’s healthcare system.
Speaking at a media briefing in Lagos, Professor Martins Emeje, Director General of the Nigerian Natural Medicine Development Agency, said the agency has developed four indigenous oral herbal products aimed at combating cholera and antimicrobial resistance. He noted that the products are currently undergoing clinical trials and have been submitted to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, for approval.
According to Professor Emeje, integrating traditional medicine into the national healthcare framework is not only critical for achieving universal health coverage but also has the potential to significantly boost Nigeria’s economy through the commercial production and export of locally sourced remedies. He added that the agency has also received accreditation to begin awarding diplomas in natural medicine, marking a major milestone in the professionalization of traditional health practice.
In a related development, Professor Adejuwon Adeneye of the Department of Pharmacology at Lagos State University emphasized the need to include traditional medicine and complementary therapies in medical education and national policy. Delivering an inaugural lecture, he stated that up to 85 percent of Nigerians still rely on traditional forms of treatment, particularly in rural communities where access to hospitals is limited.
Experts at a recent conference held in Lagos also argued that traditional medicine offers viable alternatives for preventive care, especially in managing chronic illnesses. They noted that herbal medicine, when used alongside conventional treatments, could help reduce the cost of pharmaceutical drugs and ease pressure on overstretched hospitals.
Professor Moses Akanmu, a pharmacognosy specialist at Obafemi Awolowo University, called for the formation of collaborative research networks involving universities, traditional healers, regulatory agencies and the Ministry of Health. He stressed the need for standardization, safety regulation and industrial-scale production of herbal products to ensure quality and global competitiveness.
Traditional birth attendants in Lagos have also shown how such integration can work in practice. In partnership with public health agencies, many have received monthly training in maternal care, which has improved delivery outcomes and led to faster hospital referrals during complications.
Observers say the proposed synergy between traditional and modern medicine would allow for more inclusive, culturally grounded healthcare delivery, particularly in underserved areas. It would also support job creation, local innovation and reduce dependence on imported pharmaceuticals.
Health authorities say the conversation around integrative medicine is gaining momentum, and further policy frameworks are expected to be introduced as Nigeria looks to reposition its healthcare system for long-term sustainability and resilience.