East African Forum calls for full integration of traditional medicine into national health systems

East African Forum calls for full integration of traditional medicine into national health systems

East African Forum calls for full integration of traditional medicine into national health systems

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Despite its widespread use, global research funding for the sector remains extremely low. Experts emphasised the urgent need for stronger regulation, evidence-based research, and sustainable investment to support safe and effective practices

Traditional medicine should not be seen merely as an alternative when conventional healthcare falls short, but as a complementary pillar of integrated health systems, according to resolutions from the East African Forum on Traditional, Complementary and Integrative Medicine (TCIM) held in Nairobi.
The forum, organised by the Ministry of Health, Kenya, in partnership with the Traditional, Complementary, and Integrative Healthcare Coalition, brought together policymakers, regulators, researchers, and traditional medicine practitioners from across the East African Community. Representatives from several countries in the region attended, with some joining virtually.
“Traditional medicine is not a fallback; it is a vital part of our health systems. When properly integrated, it can help address chronic diseases and strengthen primary healthcare,” said a health official at the forum.

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The discussions highlighted that traditional medicine already plays a major role in healthcare across East Africa, with a large majority of people relying on it for their health needs. Despite its widespread use, global research funding for the sector remains extremely low. Experts emphasised the urgent need for stronger regulation, evidence-based research, and sustainable investment to support safe and effective practices.
Participants resolved to formally recognise traditional, complementary, and integrative medicine in national health strategies, universal health coverage frameworks, and primary healthcare delivery models. They also committed to introducing standards for practitioners to ensure safety, quality, and professional recognition while safeguarding indigenous knowledge.
The forum called for harmonisation of product regulation, improved market surveillance, and robust registration pathways, along with greater investment in research to generate scientific evidence on the safety and effectiveness of traditional medicine practices and products. In addition, the East African Network on TCIM (EAN-TCIM) will be operationalised to coordinate policy, research, and regulation across the region.

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“Remarkably, so many people depend on traditional medicine, yet so little research supports it. We must invest in studies and regulation to ensure these practices are safe and effective,” said a senior researcher.
The forum concluded with a commitment to translate resolutions into actionable national and regional plans, mobilise financing, strengthen regulatory systems, and integrate evidence-based, quality-assured traditional medicine into healthcare systems. “Our goal is to see traditional medicine fully integrated into health systems, benefiting people across East Africa,” said a regional health policy expert.
The forum marks a major step toward evidence-based integration of traditional medicine and reinforces East Africa’s commitment to universal health coverage and stronger, people-centred health systems.

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