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WHO Urges Member States to Boost Traditional Medicine for Sustainable Health Goals
WHO Urges Member States to Boost Traditional Medicine for Sustainable Health Goals
The World Health Organization (WHO) has urged its Member States to intensify their efforts in implementing evidence-based Traditional Medicine (TM) approaches to advance the health-related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and enhance health and well-being for all at every stage of life.
Dr Matshidiso Moeti, the WHO Regional Director for Africa, delivered this call to action during the commemoration of the Twenty-First African Traditional Medicine Day, which took place on August 31, 2023. Dr. Moeti’s message was read by the WHO Representative in Nigeria, Dr. Walter Kazadi Mulombo.
On this occasion, Dr Moeti encouraged unity and purpose, emphasizing the importance of drawing upon the healing wisdom found in traditional practices to benefit the people of Africa and the continent as a whole.
Dr Moeti emphasized the need for collective efforts guided by knowledge, empathy, and innovation to create a healthier and more holistic future, where traditional practices are harmoniously integrated with modern approaches for the greater good.
Read Also: China pledges support to develop Nigeria’s trado-medicine sector
The theme of this year’s African Traditional Medicine Day is “The Contribution of Traditional Medicine to Holistic Health and Well-being for All.” This theme aligns with the outcomes of the WHO Traditional Medicine Global Summit held earlier in August 2023 in India, which catalyzed political commitment and evidence-based action on traditional medicine worldwide.
Dr. Moeti recognized the enduring significance of African Traditional Medicine in enhancing health and well-being across the continent. Traditional medicine remains accessible, affordable, and trusted by millions, with approximately 80% of the population turning to it for their fundamental health needs.
She commended the progress made by Member States in integrating traditional medicine into national health systems, including the development of evidence-based policies, regulatory frameworks, cultivation of medicinal plants, and training initiatives.
Twenty-five countries in the WHO Africa Region have integrated traditional medicine into their health sciences curricula, 20 have established training programs for traditional health practitioners and health sciences students, and 39 have developed legal frameworks for traditional health practitioners.
However, Dr. Moeti stressed the untapped potential of traditional medicine in research, local manufacturing, and commercialization, emphasizing the need to unlock its contributions to planetary health and people’s well-being.
Dr Moeti’s recommendations for Member States include applying local knowledge, science, technology, and innovation; establishing consultative mechanisms with Indigenous Knowledge holders; integrating traditional medicine into national health systems; redefining laws and policies; promoting prevention and primary healthcare; developing standards for continued training; accelerating research and regulation; and implementing monitoring systems and indicators for traditional medicine within national health information systems.
In summary, the WHO calls upon Member States to further embrace and integrate traditional medicine to achieve sustainable health goals and foster holistic well-being for all citizens.
WHO Urges Member States to Boost Traditional Medicine for Sustainable Health Goals
President Bola Tinubu, on Tuesday arrived in Katsina to receive the remains of the former President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away in London on Sunday at the age of 82.
Just hours before the burial of former President Muhammadu Buhari, heartfelt tributes have continued to pour in from beneficiaries of his many charitable deeds, with many describing him as a man who never turned his back on the needy.
Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday, Aminu Daura, a respected community elder, recalled how Buhari consistently provided foodstuffs during Ramadan for families, friends, widows, and orphans in his hometown.
“He never made noise about it, but many homes had food on their tables during fasting period because of him,” Daura said.
Abdullahi Sani, a physically-challenged man who received a tricycle from the Buhari Foundation in 2021, was overcome with emotion while speaking to NAN.
“I can move around and feed my family today because of Baba Buhari. I pray to Allah to reward him for giving hope to people like me,” he said, in tears.
Hajiya Fatima Yahaya, another resident, remembered Buhari’s acts of kindness during festive seasons.
“Even after he left office, his aides ensured that the usual support still reached us every year. He always remember his people,” she said, referring to his distribution of Sallah rams and food items to indigent families during Eid celebrations.
Other residents of Daura also shared memories of how the late former president quietly paid school fees and medical bills for struggling families, actions rarely publicized.
“Some of us benefited from his silent interventions. He was a true father and a great figure in the society,” said Ali Saidu.
On Monday night, Imams across various mosques in Daura held special Qur’anic recitations, praying for the forgiveness of Buhari’s sins and his eternal peace.
The Chief Imam of Daura Central Mosque, Sheikh Musa Kofar Barau, described Buhari as a humble leader whose legacy of service and compassion would remain alive in the hearts of the people.
Buhari is scheduled to be buried later on Tuesday in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State, in line with Islamic rites. The community is bracing to welcome thousands of mourners from across Nigeria and beyond.
His Majesty King Mohammed VI of Morocco has extended heartfelt condolences to President Bola Tinubu, the family of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, and the entire Nigerian people following Buhari’s death.
In a message of sympathy, the Moroccan monarch described the passing of the former Nigerian leader as a “sad occurrence,” expressing deep sorrow over the loss.
King Mohammed VI hailed Buhari as “an illustrious leader who worked untiringly to serve his country’s best interests and lead his people toward further progress and prosperity.”
He added: “Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the bereaved. I share your grief and want you to know how much I appreciated the working sessions I had with the deceased.”
Reflecting on their bilateral engagements, the king noted that his collaboration with Buhari led to the launch of promising development projects, “ushering a new era grounded in friendship and close cooperation between our two sister nations.”
Tinubu arrives Katsina to receive Buhari’s body for burial
“He Never Turned His Back on the Needy” — Tributes Pour In Ahead of Buhari’s Burial
King Mohammed VI Mourns Buhari, Praises Legacy of Nigeria’s Former Leader
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