UNFIA seeks world recognition for African medicine

Ini Billie, Uyo

The United Nations Federation of International ASTRO Africa (UNFIA) has initiated the process for world recognition of African medicine.

UNFIA initiated the process during a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) it signed with the National Association of Nigerian Traditional Medicine Practitioners (NANTMP).

Speaking during the MoU signing at the weekend, UNFIA’s Africa Resident Coordinator, Prof Olumuyiwa Babalola said the partnership will bridge the gap between traditional African medicine and the world.

“This is a transformative step forward in ensuring that the rich knowledge of African medicine is shared and appreciated on a global scale.

“This collaboration sets the stage for traditional African medicine to gain international recognition. As part of the agreement, both organizations will work together to promote, preserve, and elevate traditional medicine while creating a comprehensive database that will connect NABTMP practitioners with a global audience,” he stated.

While speaking, the National President, NANTMP, Dr Shaba Maikudi, said the group has over 500,000 practitioners comprising Traditional Raw Materials Association, Traditional Birth Attendants, Faith Healers, and Islamic Prophetic Medicine Practitioners.

Maikudi stated that all members of the group would benefit from the partnership as they would be better positioned to share their expertise on a global platform.

“Traditional African medicine has long been at the heart of healthcare in many communities. Yet, despite its proven efficacy, practitioners have faced challenges such as limited formal recognition and restricted access to global platforms,” he said.

A digital platform that will serve as a global database for NANTMP members was developed during the partnership to ensure that the expertise of members is accessible to researchers, institutions, and practitioners around the world.

The database is expected to revolutionise the way traditional medicine practitioners connect and collaborate across borders.