# Strengthening the traditional medicine regulation, education and practice in Nigeria

## TL;DR

This paper discusses the need to improve regulation, education, and practice of traditional medicine in Nigeria to enhance public health and development.

## Contribution

The paper highlights the lack of structured education and research in traditional medicine in Nigeria compared to other African countries.

## Key findings

- Traditional medicine is widely used in Nigeria but lacks institutionalized education and research.
- Many African countries have developed research and training programs for traditional medicine, unlike Nigeria.
- Government-sponsored education for traditional medicine practitioners could improve the country's Human Development Index.

## Abstract

Despite tremendous advances in medical sciences still a large section of the population in rural areas is heavily dependent on indigenous and Traditional Medicine (TM) for treatment. Moreover, there has been a resurgence of interest in the use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM), globally.

To review the overall regulator structure for the control of TM and the course curriculum for TM education in Nigeria.

Information on CAM and TM was collected via online search.

Responding to this unprecedented situation government of many countries have taken proactive steps to streamline and regulate the practitioners of CAM and TM in their countries as mandated by WHO. In many African countries because of the availability of research and training programs many traditional herbal medicines are now being sold over the counter. However, the situation is different in Nigeria, even though TM is very popular across the country, structured institutionalized teaching and research activity on TM are inadequate.

Health is a key component in determining the Human Development Index (HDI) of a country. CAM and TM practitioner may play an important role in improving the HDI score of the country. Government-sponsored education & training program for TM practitioners is crucial.