The Federal Government of Nigeria is working to improve traditional medicine by focusing on research, regulation, and safety. At an event marking African Traditional Medicine Day, the Minister of State for Health, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, emphasized the need for scientific studies to ensure that traditional medicine is safe and effective. He stated that just because something is culturally accepted does not mean it is scientifically proven to work. The government has created a department dedicated to traditional medicine and has established policies to integrate it into the national healthcare system. They are also collaborating with local and international partners to enhance research and promote the safe use of traditional medicine alongside modern healthcare. Dr. Salako called for traditional medicine practitioners to engage in research and ethical practices, and for researchers to translate their findings into practical health solutions. He encouraged regulatory agencies to ensure that traditional medicine products meet safety and quality standards. Additionally, Dr. Adanna Steinacker, an advisor on women's health, highlighted the importance of documenting and preserving indigenous medical knowledge while ensuring that traditional medicine does not delay necessary modern medical care. The World Health Organization (WHO) representative praised Nigeria for its progress in developing policies for traditional medicine and urged further efforts in research and quality assurance to enhance its role in healthcare. Overall, the government aims to blend traditional and modern medicine to create a more effective healthcare system for all Nigerians.
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