Herbal medicine, traditional medicine are not the same, says expert at ABU conference
Professor Muhammad Ibrahim Jawa, founder and CEO of the MIJ College of Traditional Medicine and Acupuncture, delivered a critical address at the International Herbal Medicine Conference currently taking place at Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) from 2nd to 6th October 2024. He emphasised that herbal medicine is a subset of traditional medicine and should not be conflated with its broader practices.
In his presentation, Professor Jawa explained that herbal medicine involves the use of plants and plant extracts for therapeutic purposes, a practice integral to various cultures for centuries. In contrast, traditional medicine, as defined by the World Health Organisation (WHO), encompasses a wider array of practices rooted in cultural beliefs and indigenous knowledge, including herbal remedies, spiritual healing, body manipulation, and other culturally significant therapies.
Highlighting the significance of African Traditional Medicine, Professor Jawa commended the WHO for establishing the Traditional African Medicine Unit, which aims to support African nations in effectively integrating traditional medicine into their healthcare systems.
He also praised Nigeria’s Traditional Medicine Policy, first established in 2007 and revised in 2023. This policy promotes collaboration between federal and state health ministries and traditional practitioners, emphasising the need for professional training and certification within the sector.
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Additionally, Professor Jawa called for the formalisation of traditional medicine studies in Nigerian universities, advocating for the introduction of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes to ensure the preservation and advancement of indigenous medical knowledge.
As the conference progresses, Professor Jawa congratulated the organisers and reiterated the commitment of MIJ College of Traditional Medicine and Acupuncture to collaborate on initiatives that promote traditional medicine education and research both in Nigeria and globally.
Written by Sakinat Musa Abubakar, Editor at Neptune Prime.
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