Integrate tradmedicine into mainstream healthcare, minister tells African nations
By Doosuur Iwambe
Minister of State for Health, Dr. Olurunnimbe Mamora, has called on African countries to embark on research that will help in integrating traditional medicine into mainstream health care delivery system.
Dr Mamora who revealed that COVID-19 has brought the entire world to its knees due to its ravaging effect on health, economy and social wellbeing of humanity, stressed the need to look inwards for local solution that will help in times of pandemic.
He said: “you will recall that Madagascar came up with a herbal product, called Covid Organics which claims to be preventive and curative for COVID-19, although this claim is yet to be scientifically proven, but it would not be out of place to acknowledge this effort and it’s a good step on the African continent.
“I must commend the gallant efforts of some of our herbal practitioners who made similar moves in this regard; we urge them to step forward to be counted”.
Speaking further, Dr. Mamora said that Nigeria is blessed with over 8,000 species of medicinal plants which provides low hanging fruits for the production of agro allied pharmaceutical raw materials, herbal medicines, trado medicines and body care products to mention a few.
“Looking inward, the Federal Ministry of Health has requested traditional herbal medicine practitioner who claim to have herbal medicines for the management of COVID-19 to submit such claims for necessary evaluation and validation”.
Also, the permanent Secretary Ministry of health, Mr. Abdulaziz Mashi Abdullahi said that in view of the COVID-19 pandemic ravaging the world; it has become increasingly necessary to look at strategies by all countries to tackle this novel Corona
Virus. “It is worthy of mention that since COVID-19 was discovered, Nigeria has also joined the world in the search for cure and management of this virus.
“Various traditional medicine practitioners have submitted claims for products with potential to cure this disease.
“These products have been fully handed to NIPRD and NAFDAC for further evaluation.
This development is evidence of Government’s commitment and involvement towards the development, promotion of traditional medicine and its gradual integration into the main health care delivery system.”
Meanwhile, a member of the ad-hoc Committee on Health, at the National Assembly, Dr. Shehu Balarabe Kakale has reiterated support for the initiative of the Federal Ministry of Health and the Federal Government in tightening the loopholes in the area of Alternative, Traditional and Complementary Medicine for the benefit of Nigerians.
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According to him, 80% of Nigerians use traditional medicine one way or the other and have got remedies and succor in many areas concerning their health and well-being.
He said that with the current new support in the sector, a lot could be achieved in reducing medical tourism, improving health and welfare of Nigerians and of course, creating jobs to boost the economy.
He further assured the support of his colleagues at the National Assembly to do their best in a continuous, seamless and harmonious relationship in passing bills and other resolutions of the Traditional Medicine Association as well as the institution that certify this products for the benefits of Nigerians.
