From Moshood Karim
The 2024 Annual African Traditional Medicine Day was marked with grandeur and insightful discussions as the Edo State Traditional Medicine Board in collaboration with the State Ministry of Health, hosted a landmark event focused on the theme: “Unleashing the Traditional and Complementary Medicine Potential: Creating a Pathway for Quality T&CM Practice in Edo State.”
The event, held at the prestigious John Odigie-Oyegun Public Service Academy in Benin City, brought together dignitaries, healthcare professionals, traditional medicine practitioners, and stakeholders from various sectors.
It was a day dedicated to celebrating the rich heritage of traditional medicine and exploring its integration into modern healthcare systems.
Dr. Stanley Ehiarimwian, the Permanent Secretary of the Edo State Ministry of Health, set the tone for the event with a warm welcome to all participants. He stressed the enduring relevance of traditional medicine, describing it as an “innovation of the old generation” that played a critical role in maintaining the health and well-being of past generations and continues to be significant today.
“Traditional medicine is not just a practice; it is a powerful testament to the ingenuity and resilience of our ancestors. They discovered the secrets of healing through a deep connection with nature and an understanding of the human body and spirit. For generations, these practices have provided comfort, healing, and hope. Today, we honour this legacy and recognize the vital role that traditional and complementary medicine continues to play in our communities,” Dr. Ehiarimwian said.
He further explained that the theme of this year’s event is a clarion call to acknowledge the indispensable role of traditional medicine in the future of healthcare. “We have the chance to blend the best of both worlds, combining age-old wisdom with the advancements of modern medicine to create a more inclusive approach to health,” he added.
Dr. Ehiarimwian also highlighted the significance of the event, noting that it marked the first-ever public lecture organized by the Edo State Traditional Medicine Board since its inception nearly 40 years ago.
He commended the current administration’s commitment to quality healthcare, evidenced by the appointment of a pharmacist as the Secretary of the Board for the first time.
Dr. Anthony Okungbowa, the Head of Service in Edo State, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Hospital Management Agency, Dr. Aisien Efosa, echoed the sentiment that the event signified a new dawn in the history of Edo State traditional medicine.
He pointed out that the appointment of a pharmacist as the Secretary of the Traditional Medicine Board and the organization of this inaugural lecture were monumental steps toward integrating traditional and contemporary medicine.
Highlighting the importance of traditional medicine, He said: “Natural medicine is an indispensable part of our medical practice. We are doctors, and we went to school, but we know that there are countries that have developed their traditional medical practices to the extent that they now export their products to Nigeria.”
He urged the Nigerian government to emulate this model, stressing the need for investment and support in the traditional medicine sector.
The event also featured remarks from Dr. Hussaini Moisule, a representative of the World Health Organization (WHO), who stressed the importance of immunization in protecting children from preventable diseases.
He encouraged participants to remain vigilant and report any signs of infectious diseases in their communities, underscoring the WHO’s role in monitoring and surveillance to ensure public safety.
In a keynote address titled “The Relevance and Role of Traditional Medicine in Modern Healthcare: Separating the Myth from the Fact,” Professor Tavs Abere delved into the history and current relevance of traditional medicine.
He noted that traditional medicine is gaining traction globally due to its affordability, availability, and the limitations of conventional medicine in treating chronic diseases.
However, he also addressed the myths and challenges surrounding traditional medicine, including misconceptions about its practices and the lack of standardization.
Professor Abere called for increased research, funding, and government support to overcome these challenges and recommended the establishment of herbal cottage industries and medical gardens in Edo State to promote traditional medicine.
The Vice President of the Association of Integrative Medicine Practitioners of Nigeria (South-South Zone), Herbalist Bello Abdulhakeem, called on the government to establish schools dedicated to the study of traditional medicine.
He was supported by Dr. Francis Eromosele, Chairman of the Edo State Chapter of the Association, who stressed the need for government support in providing land for herb cultivation and fostering collaboration between traditional and modern medical practitioners.
Dr. Joy Mike Opara, Secretary to the Edo State Traditional Medicine Board, noted that the day’s event was part of a global observance aimed at bringing stakeholders together to address misconceptions about traditional medicine and work towards its standardization in Edo State.
On her part, the Chief consultant of Diancol Integrative Medical Services, Dr. Diana Cornelius urged participants to come back to the nature for their total health and wellness.
“We are calling you to come back to nature because nature cures and put you in a balance where you have to live a healthy lifestyle.”
The event concluded with a panel discussion where experts from both traditional and conventional medicine fields examined the regulatory framework guiding herbal practitioners, the safety of herbal products, and the challenges facing the sector viz-a-viz the theme of the event.
The panelists featuring Dr. Eseigbe Efeomon, Director Disease Control and Immunization, Edo State Primary Health Care Development Agency (EDSPHCDA), Professor Tavs Abere (Professor of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Benin) amongst others, unanimously called for increased research, collaboration, and government support to ensure that traditional medicine is not only preserved but also integrated into modern healthcare systems.
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