African Traditional Medicine Key To Universal Health Coverage
African nations observed the 24th African Traditional Medicine Day, with the WHO calling for increased investment in research and regulation. Experts argue that integrating traditional medicine into primary healthcare can improve access and community trust.
Why it matters
Integrating traditional practices with modern medicine is a key strategy for achieving universal health coverage in underserved regions.
Africa on Monday marked the 24th African Traditional Medicine Day, with experts urging governments to invest more in research, regulation and innovation to unlock traditional medicine’s potential for universal health coverage.
The World Health Organization (WHO), in a post on its official X account on Monday, said the Aug. 31 observance focused on strengthening traditional medicine as a credible contributor to Africa’s healthcare systems.
According to WHO, the theme, “Reflection on research and development efforts of traditional medicine towards achieving universal health coverage in the African Region,” underscores the need to transform knowledge into solutions.
The organisation said the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre and WHO Regional Office for Africa convened stakeholders to examine how evidence, innovation and community trust could move traditional medicine into practice.
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