The federal government has pledged to mobilise evidence-based actions in support of traditional medicine in the country.
Coordinating minister of Health, Prof Ali Pate, made this known yesterday at a press briefing in commemoration of the 20th Africa Traditional Medicine (ATM) Day, themed: “The Contribution of Traditional Medicine to Holistic Health and Well-being for All,” in Abuja.
He stressed the need to acknowledge the role of traditional medicine in our lives and its connection to our holistic health and well-being, noting that traditional medicine use in the country is as high as 81.6 percent.
Pate said the present administration seeks to bolster the economy by prioritising Universal Health Coverage which is expected to frontally address the nation’s healthcare challenges.
“The healthcare plan will also focus on encouraging and improving funding for local research of new drugs and vaccines. It is a well-established fact that many medicines have their origin from herbal medicine which is a form of traditional medicine,” he added.
He said Nigeria will continue to work with support from the World Health Organisation (WHO), West African Health Organisation (WAHO) and other partners like the Embassies of China and India to develop traditional medicine for local use and commercialization.
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