AN ASSESSMENT OF THE REGULATORY FRAMEWORK FOR AFRICAN TRADITIONAL MEDICINAL PRACTICE IN NIGERIA

Abstract

Traditional medicine (TM) by World Health Organization (WHO) is the totality of knowledge, skills, and practices based on theories, beliefs, and experiences indigenous to different cultures, whether explicable or not, used in the maintenance and preservation of health, whether physical or mental. African traditional medicine is the holistic healthcare system specializing on divination, spiritualism, and herbalism. In Nigeria, most indigenes rely on TM to meet their primary healthcare needs. WHO’s strategy for TM is to promote TM integration and complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) into the healthcare systems of countries. Therefore, the aim of this study was to critically assess the regulatory framework for traditional medicinal practice in Nigeria. The research methodology was doctrinal approach, using expository and analytical research design. The main sources of data collection were literatures from physical library and e-library. This research found, among others, that there is need to have a working national framework for the safe practice of TM in Nigeria. Thus, this research recommended, among others, a distinct national framework for the practice of TM in Nigeria which will also establish a functioning regulatory institution in various states, thereby ensuring proper regulation and enlightenment in this milieu.