Traditional medicine plays a crucial role in healthcare across Africa, especially in the context of limited healthcare budgets. This practice is gaining recognition with the support of the World Health Organization (WHO), which promotes its integration into formal healthcare systems. Rich in ancestral knowledge, traditional medicine offers both promising economic and medical potential.
Growing importance of traditional medicine
With healthcare budgets often insufficient, 80 % of the population turns to traditional medicine. This practice, deeply rooted in African cultural heritage, is a vital part of daily life. Many African countries do not allocate the recommended 15 % of their budgets to health expenditures, as stipulated in the Abuja Declaration.
In this environment, traditional medicine has become an accessible and affordable solution for many Africans. However, while it is often considered safe, risks are sometimes associated with its use. Integrating traditional medicine into modern healthcare systems is essential to better regulate its practices and ensure patient safety.
Abundant resources for herbal medicine
Africa’s rich biodiversity makes it a significant reservoir for traditional medicine, particularly in the area of herbal medicine. South Africa, for example, is home to over 2,000 species of medicinal plants.
Around 60 % of South Africans rely on traditional medicine as their primary healthcare. The government is working to integrate traditional knowledge with conventional medicine, aiming to enhance the quality of care while preserving valuable ancestral practices.
Traditional treatments often involve plants, using parts such as roots, bulbs, and bark, which provide concentrated medicinal properties and are available year-round. However, concerns about overharvesting have raised the need for species conservation efforts.
WHO’s strategies to promote traditional medicine
The WHO recognizes the importance of traditional medicine for African healthcare systems. In 2003, it established African Traditional Medicine Day, observed annually on August 31, to promote this practice. Currently, 40 African countries have adopted national policies supporting traditional medicine.
By 2022, 30 of these countries had integrated traditional medicine into their national healthcare systems. Additionally, 39 African nations have developed regulatory frameworks to oversee traditional healers, ensuring that patients receive safe and reliable care. These measures reflect the growing commitment to formalizing traditional medicine within African healthcare systems.
Moving toward better regulation
The 2023 WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine, co-hosted by the Indian government, was a significant milestone. Held alongside the G20 Health Ministers’ Meeting, the summit addressed key issues such as scientific research, regulation, biodiversity, and digital health.
Discussions emphasized the importance of scientific evidence in sustainably integrating traditional medicine into global healthcare systems. At the same time, the summit strengthened the political commitment of G20 nations to support traditional medicine while fostering innovation.
Promising prospects
The economic potential of traditional medicine extends beyond public health. Commercially, the industry linked to traditional medicine is expanding. Currently, there are 34 research institutes across 26 African countries dedicated to studying traditional medicine, all of which follow WHO protocols to evaluate the therapeutic properties of medicinal plants.
Additionally, 25 African countries have integrated traditional medicine into their university health science curricula. Traditional healers are receiving specialized training, further professionalizing the field. Ethical and regulatory frameworks are in place in 24 countries to ensure the quality of care provided by traditional medicine practitioners.
Innovation in traditional medicine
The digital revolution and artificial intelligence (AI) are transforming research in traditional medicine. Advanced algorithms are now used to explore and map ancestral knowledge, identifying trends and interactions between traditional and modern treatments. This approach helps avoid risks such as drug interactions and optimizes the use of medicinal plants.
Global commitment to traditional medicine
With increased investments and improved research infrastructure, traditional medicine is emerging as a rapidly growing sector in Africa. Countries like Ghana have already integrated traditional medicine into several regional hospitals, paving the way for hybrid healthcare models that blend traditional and modern approaches.
A robust regulatory framework will further propel traditional medicine to play a critical role in improving global health. This momentum reflects a broader global trend of utilizing indigenous knowledge to tackle pressing public health challenges.
