National Policy on Traditional Medicine (2nd Edition)

A Policy establishes a regulatory framework for integrating traditional medicine into the mainstream health system. It mandates national standards for practitioners and ensures quality control for herbal remedies. This approach aims to provide safe, evidence-based care for all users of traditional and complementary medicine.

What Is This Policy?

Provides the updated regulatory and strategic framework for integrating traditional, complementary, and alternative medicine (TCAM) into Nigeria's mainstream health system while ensuring safety, efficacy, and quality.

Who Does It Target?

Traditional medicine practitioners NAFDAC (for herbal medicine regulation) Federal and state ministries of health Patients using traditional and herbal remedies

What Does It Aim to Achieve?

Integrate safe and evidence-based TCAM into the national health system Regulate and license traditional medicine practitioners Establish quality and safety standards for herbal medicines Promote research and documentation of Nigeria's traditional medicine knowledge base

Key Features

Practitioner Registration: Establishes national registration and licensing requirements for traditional medicine practitioners. Herbal Medicine Standards: NAFDAC quality, safety, and efficacy standards for herbal medicinal products. Integration into PHC: Framework for incorporating validated traditional therapies into primary health care delivery.

Current Status

The policy is active and being implemented, as indicated by its second edition and the establishment of registration and standards for traditional medicine.

Legal Framework

The National Policy on Traditional Medicine operates under the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) Act, the Traditional Medicine Bill, and the National Health Act 2014. It aligns with the WHO Traditional Medicine Strategy 2019–2030, the African Health Strategy on Traditional Medicine, and NAFDAC's regulations on herbal medicines and natural health products. The Nigeria Natural Medicine Development Agency (NNMDA) provides implementing support.