As Africa marks the 24th African Traditional Medicine Day on 31 August, leaders, researchers and traditional health practitioners are reflecting on a pivotal question: how can traditional medicine help accelerate universal health coverage across the continent?
Under this year’s 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 a conversation exploring how evidence, innovation and community trust can help bring traditional medicine from research to reach.
Watch the conversation
African Traditional Medicine Day commemorates a landmark resolution adopted by the WHO Regional Committee for Africa at its fiftieth session in Ouagadougou (resolution AFR/RC50/R3) in 2000 and recognizes the vital role traditional medicine plays in providing accessible, affordable and culturally grounded care to millions across the continent. In many communities, particularly rural ones, traditional health practitioners are the first point of contact for health care.
In discussion were Professor Martins Emeje, Director-General of the Nigeria Natural Medicine Development Agency and Co-Chair of the WHO Strategic and Technical Advisory Group for Traditional, Complementary and Integrative Medicine; and Chief Temitayo Faruq Erogbogbo, Baaloro of Ikorodu Kingdom, moderated by Kenyan community-based youth researcher and entrepreneur Fionah Njeri.
Their message was clear: traditional medicine is not a relic of the past. It is a living, evolving system of knowledge with the potential to strengthen primary health care and advance universal health coverage when supported by research, regulation and investment.
“Trust is infrastructure,” noted Chief Temitayo Faruq Erogbogbo during the discussion, highlighting that traditional health practitioners (THPs) are often the first point of care for many communities. From traditional birth attendants to community healers, THPs hold relationships and cultural legitimacy that can complement biomedical services and improve health outcomes.
The conversation emphasized that Africa possesses some of the world’s richest health knowledge traditions and biodiversity rere stronger collaboration among researchers, policymakers, entrepreneurs, communities and traditional health practitioners, as well as greater domestic investment in research and development.
Speakers also stressed the importance of documenting traditional knowledge. “Knowledge that is not written down will be lost,” they warned, calling for greater efforts to preserve and study Africa’s health heritage for future generations.
The discussion echoed WHO’s broader vision that traditional medicine can contribute to more people-centred, culturally resonant health systems when integrated safely and effectively. The recently adopted WHO Global Traditional Medicine Strategy 2025–2034 identifies research, regulation, integration and collaboration as key priorities for advancing evidence-based traditional medicine and strengthening health systems. Traditional medicine is already used by millions worldwide and is increasingly recognized as a valuable partner to biomedicine in supporting prevention, self-care and primary health care.
Looking ahead, participants expressed optimism about the future of traditional medicine in Africa. With growing interest among young people, expanding opportunities for innovation, and increasing recognition of nature-based approaches to health, they described a future where traditional medicine and biomedicine can thrive side by side, each contributing its strengths toward healthier communities.
Countries celebrate African Traditional Medicine Day
Throughout Africa, WHO country offices are marking this day with various activities:
- Cameroon: the Minister of Public Health issued a note on 29 July instructing regional delegates of public health to decentralize the commemoration. The day will be marked simultaneously across the regions, together with Yaoundé
- Madagascar and Mozambique will mark the day with activities.
- South Africa: national commemoration with the Minister of Health and a host province; where the WHO Representative will deliver a keynote.
- Zimbabwe: will commemorate in Marondera, provincial capital of Mashonaland East Province. Her Excellency the First Lady of the Republic of Zimbabwe Dr Auxilia Mnangagwa will participate in the event.
Their call was simple: Invest in evidence, empower traditional health practitioners, and harness Africa’s knowledge and biodiversity to expand access to quality care.
