Yaound©: African Traditional Medicine Day 2026 highlights the potential of traditional medicine to accelerate universal health coverage across the continent. Under the theme “Reflection on research and development efforts of traditional medicine towards achieving universal health coverage in the African Region,” the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre and the WHO Regional Office for Africa convened discussions on leveraging evidence, innovation, and community trust to transition traditional medicine from research to reach.
According to the African Press Organization, the commemoration of African Traditional Medicine Day stems from a landmark resolution adopted by the WHO Regional Committee for Africa in 2000. This day recognizes the essential role traditional medicine plays in providing accessible, affordable, and culturally grounded care to millions, particularly in rural communities where traditional health practitioners often serve as the first point of contact.
Participants in the discussion included Professor Martins Emeje, Director-General of the Nigeria Natural Medicine Development Agency, and Chief Temitayo Faruq Erogbogbo, Baaloro of Ikorodu Kingdom, moderated by Kenyan youth researcher and entrepreneur Fionah Njeri. They emphasized that traditional medicine is a progressive system of knowledge that can enhance primary health care and support universal health coverage when bolstered by research, regulation, and investment.
Chief Temitayo Faruq Erogbogbo underscored the importance of trust, describing it as infrastructure, and highlighted that traditional health practitioners, such as birth attendants and community healers, hold cultural legitimacy that can complement biomedical services, thereby improving health outcomes. The conversation pointed out Africa’s rich health knowledge traditions and biodiversity resources, urging stronger collaborations among researchers, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and communities to unlock this potential.
Speakers advocated for the documentation of traditional knowledge to ensure its preservation for future generations. They aligned with WHO’s vision that traditional medicine can contribute significantly to people-centered and culturally resonant health systems when safely and effectively integrated. The WHO Global Traditional Medicine Strategy 2025-2034 identifies research, regulation, integration, and collaboration as key priorities for promoting evidence-based traditional medicine and enhancing health systems.
Throughout Africa, WHO country offices are celebrating African Traditional Medicine Day with various activities. In Cameroon, the Minister of Public Health has instructed regional delegates to decentralize the commemoration across regions. Madagascar and Mozambique will also partake in activities. South Africa will hold a national commemoration with the Minister of Health and a keynote from the WHO Representative, while Zimbabwe’s event in Marondera will feature the participation of First Lady Dr. Auxilia Mnangagwa.
Participants expressed optimism about the future of traditional medicine in Africa, foreseeing a future where traditional medicine and biomedicine coexist, each contributing to healthier communities. Their call was clear: Invest in evidence, empower traditional health practitioners, and harness Africa’s knowledge and biodiversity to expand access to quality care.