(DDM) – The World Health Organization (WHO) has called on the Federal Government to prioritise investment in traditional medicine as a long-term solution to Nigeria’s growing medicine insecurity.
The appeal comes amid rising prescription drug costs and frequent stock-outs of essential medicines, which have left many Nigerians struggling to access basic healthcare.
According to the global health body, Nigeria can reduce its heavy dependence on imported medicines by investing strategically in research and development of natural medicines derived from indigenous plants.
Currently, about 60 per cent of medicines consumed in Nigeria are imported, a situation experts say exposes the country to foreign exchange volatility, supply chain disruptions, and limited access to raw materials.
WHO has therefore challenged Nigerian scientists, pharmaceutical stakeholders, and policymakers to deepen clinical research into traditional, complementary and integrative medicine as part of efforts to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
Professor Martins Emeje, recently appointed Co-Chair of WHO’s Strategic and Technical Advisory Group on Traditional, Complementary and Integrative Medicine, made the call in an interview with Pharmanews.
He warned that reliance on synthetic imported drugs is unsustainable and deprives the country of employment opportunities and local innovation potential.
Emeje urged both the government and private sector to invest deliberately in research on natural medicines, arguing that expanding indigenous pharmaceutical research is the most realistic pathway toward medicine security.
He also encouraged philanthropists and corporate organisations to commit funding to research and development rather than focusing solely on profit generation.
According to WHO, traditional medicine already plays a significant role in healthcare delivery worldwide, particularly in managing chronic and lifestyle-related illnesses.
The organisation reiterated its commitment to integrating evidence-based traditional medicine into national health systems while ensuring safety, quality, efficacy, and equitable access.
Natural medicines, defined by Johns Hopkins Medicine as herbal or phytomedicinal products derived from plant sources for internal use, form the foundation of many modern prescription and over-the-counter drugs.
These products may appear in capsules, powders, liquids, creams, or extracts and are widely used globally.
Emeje stressed that Nigerian scientists must take ownership of research into indigenous plants, especially as WHO intensifies global efforts to integrate traditional medicine into mainstream health systems.
He referenced the December 2025 Traditional, Complementary and Integrative Medicine conference, which reinforced global commitments to expanding funding and regulatory frameworks for traditional medicine research.
One major concern raised at the summit was that less than one per cent of global health research funding currently goes to traditional medicine.
WHO’s Global Traditional Medicine Strategy 2025–2034 calls on member countries, including Nigeria, to expand investments in research infrastructure, workforce development, and ethical scientific methodologies.
The strategy also emphasises safeguarding biodiversity, protecting indigenous knowledge, and promoting responsible use of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence in research.
Emeje further highlighted the importance of strengthening governance and regulatory systems to ensure safety, quality, and public trust in traditional medicine products.
He noted that Nigeria’s representation at the global advisory level positions Africa to influence international standards on traditional medicine.
However, he cautioned that increased global attention will not automatically translate into donor-driven funding, urging researchers to intensify laboratory and field work instead of waiting for grants.
He concluded by inviting scientists to collaborate with the Nigeria Natural Medicine Development Agency and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to conduct clinical trials on approved herbal medicines.
According to him, building a stronger evidence base will enhance regulatory systems, improve access to validated products, and ultimately integrate traditional medicine into Nigeria’s formal healthcare framework.
WHO maintains that investing in scientifically validated traditional medicine could significantly improve medicine availability, affordability, and long-term health security in Nigeria.
