The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has approved new regional guidelines aimed at strengthening the regulation and integration of traditional medicine into the healthcare systems of its Member States.
The decision was reached on January 23, 2026, in Cotonou, Benin, following a three-day validation meeting organized by the West African Health Organization (WAHO). The meeting brought together officials from ministries of health, universities, research institutions, traditional medicine practitioners, technical experts and development partners from across the sub-region.
Participants reviewed and validated a harmonized regional framework designed to regulate, standardize and promote the use of traditional medicine in West Africa, with particular emphasis on safety, quality assurance, evidence-based practice and professional standards.
The meeting highlighted the important role traditional medicine continues to play in healthcare delivery in the region, especially due to its accessibility, cultural relevance and widespread acceptance within communities.
Stakeholders emphasized that strengthening regulation and formal integration of traditional medicine would enhance its contribution to Universal Health Coverage (UHC), in line with the World Health Organization’s Global Strategy for Traditional Medicine 2025–2034, the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the ECOWAS Regional Health Policy.
Speaking at the meeting, the Director General of WAHO, Dr. Melchior Athanase J.C. Aïssi, called for greater recognition of a modern African medical system that values indigenous knowledge, innovation and collaboration with conventional healthcare.
“It is time we recognize, as Africans, the evolving African medicine that values indigenous knowledge. We are committed to harmonizing regulatory frameworks and promoting effective integration for the benefit of all,” he said.
The ECOWAS Chair, Sierra Leone’s Deputy Minister of Health, Dr. Brima Osaio Kamara, commended Member States for their collective efforts and reaffirmed his country’s commitment to integrating traditional medicine into national health systems in line with international standards.
At the end of the meeting, participants adopted a regional roadmap outlining the next steps, including finalizing the policy document, drafting a Community Directive, submitting it to the ECOWAS Assembly of Health Ministers for approval, and supporting implementation across Member States through a monitoring and evaluation framework.
The initiative is expected to strengthen cooperation among Member States, improve patient safety and promote the responsible use of traditional medicine as a complementary part of healthcare delivery in West Africa.
Source: 3news
