Sola POPOOLA
United Nations Federation of International ASTRO (UNFIA) has pledged support for safe and effective use of traditional medicine in Nigeria stressing that Nigerian traditional healers possess invaluable knowledge honed over centuries
The global body also expressed commitment to establishing the UNFIA African Traditional Medicine Practitioners Center.
The UNFIA Africa coordinator ,Professor Olumuyiwa Babalola hinted this during a conference organised by the SouthWest chapter of the National Association of Nigerian Traditional Medicine Practitioners (NANTMP) in conjunction with UNFIA in Abeokuta, the Ogun State .
The conference with the theme : The Impacts of NAFDAC in the Preparation and Selling of Herbal Medicine in Nigeria., attracted leaders and members of the NANTMP in the southwest as well as regulatory officials from the participating states.
In his presentation entitled “Anticipated Impact of the United Nations Federation of International ASTRO on the Practice of Traditional Medicine in Nigeria” Professor Babalola said the vision of the world organisation is “for Nigeria to lead Africa in establishing a healthcare system that embraces both traditional and modern medicine”.
According to him , “traditional medicine offers not only treatment for physical ailments but also a holistic approach to wellness—addressing mental, spiritual, and emotional well-being.
The UNFIA Africa coordinator assured of the organisation’ s role to supporting and enhancing a holistic approach, fostering a more resilient, accessible, and comprehensive healthcare system.
“Our first and foremost priority is to support the safe and effective use of traditional medicine. Nigerian traditional healers possess invaluable knowledge honed over centuries. However, many of these practices have lacked regulatory frameworks to ensure consistency and safety. Through training programs, the United Nations Federation of International ASTRO aims to work closely with practitioners to standardize and enhance these practices, ensuring that patients receive the safest and most reliable care possible.
“We envision creating certification programs and accreditation systems in partnership with Nigeria’s health ministries. These initiatives will not only build trust between traditional practitioners and the public but also provide traditional medicine with a respected place in Nigeria’s broader healthcare system.
Professor Babalola said “as part of the UNFIA commitment to this vision, I am pleased to announce that the United Nations Federation of International ASTRO (UNFIA), in partnership with the National Association of Nigerian Traditional Medicine Practitioners (NANTMP), will establish the UNFIA African Traditional Medicine Practitioners Center.
” This center will serve as a vital hub, coordinating efforts to collect and compile comprehensive data on traditional medicine practices across Nigeria.
“Our goal is to build an extensive database that will support standardized practices, enable evidence-based research, and further validate the valuable knowledge held by our traditional healers. This initiative will allow us to document and preserve Nigeria’s rich traditional medicine heritage while making it accessible and safe for future generations.
“Developing Policy and Advocacy for Traditional Medicine Integration
Integrating traditional medicine into Nigeria’s healthcare system requires more than training and resources—it requires thoughtful policy.
“The federation will work hand-in-hand with Nigerian authorities to develop guidelines, standards, and protections for traditional medicine practices. We will advocate for the inclusion of traditional medicine in public health programs, national insurance plans, and community health initiatives.
Additionally, we will work to protect the intellectual property rights of traditional practitioners and indigenous communities, ensuring that their knowledge is preserved and respected, not exploited. By advocating for strong policies, we can create a sustainable framework that allows traditional medicine to thrive”
Earlier in his speech , the National President of NANTMP , Alhaji Shaaba Maikudi, urged the National Assembly to step up work on the passage of the bill to establish Traditional, Complimentary and Alternative Council of Nigeria.
Maikudi said the establishment of the council would help to regulate the practice of traditional medicine in the country and upscale its standards such that it will meet up with the international expectations.
He explained that the NANTMP was set up in 2006 and registered in 2007 with headquarters in Abuja .
Alhaji Maikudi said more than 85 percent of the world population depend on traditional medicine.
Maikudi said,”When you go to Ghana and other countries, you will see establishment of traditional medicine council.
We are also using this opportunity to call on the National Assembly and the Federal Government to ensure the passage of this bill to establish the Traditional, Complimentary and Alternative Council.
“We need this council to regulate our practice and bring it up to standard. See where China is today in herbal medicine. We must develop our tradition, even the World Health Organisation said that 85 per cent of the world today depends on traditional medicine.
“China and other countries of the world are where they are today because of the government’s support but we are yet to have a regulatory body and this will always slow down our progress.
“We have all the available resources, we have the manpower, we have the raw materials but we have not been able to package these medicine and market them within the nation and outside the country. We are calling on the government to help with the establishment of Traditional Medicine Council of Nigeria.”
The NANTMP President call for unity among the members, saying that they would be able to take the practice of traditional and alternate medicine to greater heights once they are united
In his remarks, the SouthWest Vice President, SO Soyoye decried alleged incessant harassment, extortion and intimidation of members by security agents and Forrest guards .
He frowned at how members of the NANTMP were being frequently arrested and framed up on trumped up charges .
Soyoye therefore called on the leadership of the Association to take the matter up with appropriate authorities with a view to finding a lasting solution to the menace.
Other speakers urged members of the NANTMP to always up scale their knowledge, ensure proper documentation of their clients/ patients , stick to rules and guidelines of the regulatory bodies ,as well as ensuring clean hygiene practices.
Other dignitaries at the event included; Professor Olubukola Ositelu, Prince Babatunde Adele ,registar Tradtiinal Medicine Board Lagos State, Chief Nurudeen Olaleye Alternative Medicine Board ,Professor Titilayo Hasssn consultant, Federal Ministry of Health .