Experts Push for Scientific Validation of Traditional Medicine in Nigeria

Experts are calling for a stronger connection between traditional medicine and modern scientific research, with emphasis on safety, effectiveness and accessibility.

The call was made at a sensitisation workshop held in Lagos to mark the 21st African Traditional Medicine Day.

Participants stressed the importance of moving traditional medicine beyond inherited knowledge by subjecting practices and remedies to scientific research and validation.

They noted that traditional medicine remains an important and culturally familiar source of health care for many communities, but argued that stronger research, documentation, quality control and regulation are needed to improve public confidence and ensure safer use.

The workshop also highlighted the potential of traditional medicine to complement existing health-care systems while preserving valuable indigenous knowledge and making appropriate treatments more accessible to communities.