Towards universal health coverage: advancing the development and use of traditional medicines in Africa

Abstract

African traditional medicine (ATM) and traditional health practitioners (THPs) could make significant contributions to the attainment of universal health coverage (UHC). Consequently, the WHO provided technical tools to assist African countries to develop ATM as a significant component of healthcare. Many African countries adopted the WHO tools after appropriate modifications to advance research and development (R&D) of ATM. An analysis of the extent of this development was undertaken through a survey of 47 countries in the WHO African region. Results show impressive advances in R&D of ATM, the collaboration between THP and conventional health practitioners, quality assurance as well as regulation, registration and THP integration into the national health systems. We highlight the various ways investment in the R&D of ATM can impact on policy, practice and the three themes of UHC. We underscore the need for frameworks for fair and equitable sharing of all benefits arising from the R&D of ATM products involving all the stakeholders. We argue for further investment in ATM as a complement to conventional medicine to promote attainment of the objectives of UHC.

Resilient health systems for attaining universal health coverage

“…A large segment of the population in sub-Saharan Africa turns to the traditional sector when ill. Relatedly, advances in research on traditional medicines implore us to forge meaningful partnerships with the traditional medicine sector for better health outcomes. Kasilo et al 15 trace advances in research, product development, integration of traditional medicines into health system, as well as regulatory practices for traditional health practitioners. They highlight important considerations necessary to maximise the potential of this sector for UHC.…”

Collaboration between African Indigenous and Biomedical Health Practitioners: Perceptions Regarding Tuberculosis Treatment

“…Nemutandani, Hendricks, and Mulaudzi (2016) found that BHPs were not ready to work with AIHPs, citing challenges of quality of health care, differences regarding concept of sciences and source of knowledge, and a lack of a policy on collaboration. Kasilo et al (2016) further indicate that AIHPs' beliefs and practices have no scientific basis and that they pose a danger to patients' health; hence they are regarded as inferior, illiterate, and unscientific by BHPs (Van Rooyen et al 2015). Lampiao, Chisaka, and Clements (2019) indicate that the consulting of AIHPs led to a delay in patients seeking treatment and consulting BHPs.…”

Successes and Challenges in Sustainable Development Goals Localisation for Host Communities around Kruger National Park

“…Field observation showed that the nursery (Figure 1) has more than 200 tree species that are crucial to people's everyday health needs. Traditional medicines have been found to have a considerable role in the achievement of SDG 3 on Good Health [58][59][60]. Traditional medicines can offset some of the challenges faced by rural and poor communities in accessing health in South Africa, which is often beyond the reach of many.…”