Current Status and Future of Traditional, Complementary and Integrative Medicine in Nigeria: http://www.doi.org/10.26538/tjnpr/v7i12.5

Sanjoy K. Pal; Isa U. Lawal

Authors

Sanjoy K. Pal Department of Biological Sciences, School of SSIT, #2 Zaria Road, Skyline University Nigeria, Kano, Nigeria
Isa U. Lawal School of Basic Medical Sciences, #2 Zaria Road, Skyline University Nigeria, Kano, Nigeria

Keywords:

Alternative Medicine, Nigeria, Africa, traditional Medicine, CAM

Abstract

Globally a large proportion of people use some form of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM). In Africa and especially in Nigeria herbal and traditional medicine is very popular probably because of its holistic nature blending it with the cultural milieu. Despite the remarkable efforts made by the Nigerian government in promoting traditional therapies it has still not moved to a comfortable position. In primary healthcare of the marginalized people CAM can play an important role in developing countries such as Nigeria. However, many CAM practices do not have sufficient scientific data to prove its efficacy, hence still considered as quackery. Moreover, to produce good CAM practitioners it is essential for the students to get adequate training and education. Very few Nigerian universities offer course on CAM or traditional African medicine. Recently, National Universities Commission has revamped the undergraduate curriculum for Nigerian universities i.e., Core Curriculum and Minimum Academic Standards (CCMAS) for the Nigerian University System. Complementary and Alternative Medicine studies is now included under the Allied Health Sciences as an independent degree program. This may encourage many universities to start CAM studies in Nigeria. Various established CAM practices like Ayurveda, homeopathy, naturopathy, herbal medicine, traditional Chinese medicine, etc., has now been successfully integrated with conventional medical care in countries like India, China and Ghana. Efforts should be made so that useful CAM practices can be integrated into the standard medical care in Nigeria in the future.

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