Health

African Traditional Medicine Day: Dr Tunji Alausa Advocates for Enhanced Safety in Herbal Practices

Published

4 months ago

Sep 3, 2024.

The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Morufu Tunji Alausa, has advocated for enhanced safety in the practice of herbal medicine across Nigeria.

He made this call on Tuesday during his speech at the 2024 African Traditional Medicine Day celebration, held at the Education Hall of the Federal Ministry of Education, Abuja.

Dr Alausa stressed the significance of traditional medicine in Nigeria, particularly in rural areas where it serves as a primary form of healthcare for about 80% of the population.

However, he highlihged the urgent need to align these practices with modern standards of quality, safety and efficacy to protect the health of Nigerians.

“The theme for this year’s celebration, ‘Support the Provision of Quality and Safe Traditional Medicine through Appropriate Regulatory Mechanisms,’ is not just a slogan but a crucial goal we must achieve,” Dr Alausa stated.

“As we celebrate the invaluable contributions of traditional medicine, we must ensure that these practices are safe, effective, and well-regulated.”

Speaking further, the minister announced the introduction of several key initiatives, including the launch of the second edition of the Traditional Medicine Policy for Nigeria and the first-ever Nigerian Essential Medicinal Plants List.

These initiatives, he explained, are designed to provide a solid regulatory framework that will ensure the safety and efficacy of traditional medicine products.

The Minister also acknowledged the efforts of regulatory bodies such as the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON) in monitoring and enforcing safety standards in the traditional medicine sector.

He called on traditional medicine practitioners to collaborate with these agencies to improve their manufacturing practices, which will enhance the quality and acceptability of their products.

“In the past year, NAFDAC has listed over 2,000 Traditional Medicinal (TM) products, attesting to their safety and efficacy,” Dr Alausa noted.

“This is a significant achievement, but we must continue to build on this progress to ensure that traditional medicine remains a safe and trusted component of our healthcare system.”

He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting the traditional medicine sector through increased regulation, research, and development. He urged all stakeholders to work together to create a healthcare system that honors Nigeria’s rich heritage in traditional medicine while embracing the principles of quality, safety, and efficacy.

The celebration concluded with the unveiling of the Nigerian Essential Medicinal Plants List and the new Traditional Medicine Policy, both of which are expected to play a pivotal role in guiding the future of traditional medicine in Nigeria.