The World Health Organization (WHO), has pledged it support to the Nigerian government in its efforts to achieve self–sufficiency in the local production of vaccines and other pharmaceuticals.
Speaking during a conference to mark the African Traditional Medicine Day in Abuja, the WHO country representative, Dr. Walter Mulombo noted that formal recognition and integration of traditional medicine into conventional medicine will hold much promise for the future.
Dr. Mulombo who was represented by Dr. Kofi Boateng, EPI Focal Point, universal health coverage, stressed the need to strengthen research around traditional medicine.
He noted that Africa is endowed with many plants that can be used for medicinal purposes adding that research in traditional medicines is an effort in the right direction.
While commending the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), for listing about 14 herbal medicine products against COVID-19 currently ongoing clinical trials, Dr. Mulombo
Said, the action is in line with the regional expert committee on Covid-19.
This he added is aimed at elevating the standards of clinical trials of traditional medicine for Covid-19.
Mulombo noted that the ongoing research (s) in the National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development as well as other higher institutions, highlights the interest of the Government of Nigeria to develop and promote African traditional medicine.
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He said, “For the past 20 years, countries in the WHO African Regional Office have marked the African Traditional Medicine Day on 31st of August each year. WHO advocates for strengthening the linkage between traditional medicine and institutionalized care in line with the WHO strategy.
“We are still battling the COVID-19 pandemic. WHO recognizes that traditional, complementary, and alternative medicine has many benefits when properly harnessed with. Therefore, researches into our traditional medicines is an effort in the right direction
“WHO Nigeria has taking it up to support the ministry and in particular the department of Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicines, Complimentary in the review of the Traditional Medicines Policy 2007, review of the Nigeria Pharmacopoeia 2008 and the development of a 5-year strategic plan to implement the new policy and the revised pharmacopeia.
“WHO will continue to provide technical assistance to the TCAM department, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NPRD), and NAFDAC in improving the quality of
of these products in the National Essential Medicines List.
“WHO remains committed to continue supporting the Government of Nigeria in its goal of achieving self-sufficiency in the local production of pharmaceuticals (including Vaccines), traditional medicine and researches”.
