Professor Adejuwon Adeneye, a pharmacology expert at Lagos State University College of Medicine, is calling for a national embrace of traditional medicine. He believes this often-overlooked practice holds the key to unlocking significant progress in Nigeria’s healthcare system and overall economy.
Adeneye emphasizes the vital role traditional medicine already plays, particularly in developing nations. He points out that an estimated 60 to 85% of the population in these countries relies on Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) for healthcare needs.
Despite its widespread use and accessibility, traditional medicine often lacks formal recognition. Adeneye delivered this powerful message during his inaugural lecture at LASU, titled "Green Medicine: Nature’s Gateway to Sustainable Healthcare Delivery in Nigeria."
He argues that fully integrating CAM into Nigeria’s existing healthcare framework is crucial for achieving the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal 3 – ensuring good health and well-being for all by 2030.
Adeneye highlights the deep-rooted cultural and historical significance of traditional medicine, passed down through generations. He stresses the importance of harnessing this knowledge alongside conventional practices to reach underserved communities and achieve universal health coverage.
To realize this vision, Adeneye proposes several key steps:
- National-level Integration: CAM should be formally incorporated into Nigeria’s healthcare system, as part of ongoing healthcare reforms.
- Environmental Protection: Safeguarding Nigeria’s rich biodiversity, particularly medicinal plants, is essential for sustaining this practice. Legislation promoting conservation and sustainable harvesting is crucial.
- Education and Training:
The National Universities Commission should mandate CAM studies within medical school curricula, equipping future doctors with a broader understanding of healthcare options.
Adeneye envisions Nigeria at the forefront of CAM research, closing the healthcare gap, and inspiring young doctors to remain in the country. He urges LASU to lead the charge by establishing a dedicated CAM research center, setting a benchmark for other institutions.
LASU’s Vice Chancellor, Professor Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, commended Professor Adeneye’s lecture, praising its contribution to advancing the understanding and acceptance of traditional medicine.
Interview between Time.news Editor and Professor Adejuwon Adeneye
Editor: Welcome, Professor Adeneye! It’s a pleasure to have you with us today. Your inaugural lecture at Lagos State University titled “Green Medicine: Nature’s Gateway to Sustainable Healthcare Delivery in Nigeria” has stirred quite a conversation. Let’s dive right in. What prompted you to advocate for a national embrace of traditional medicine?
Professor Adeneye: Thank you for having me. It’s great to be here! My motivation stems from observing the vast potential that traditional medicine holds, especially in a country like Nigeria. The fact is, a significant portion of our population—between 60 to 85%—relies on Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) for their healthcare needs. This isn’t just a statistic; it reflects a deeply rooted reliance on practices that are often overlooked by the formal healthcare system.
Editor: That’s a striking figure. Why do you think traditional medicine remains under-recognized in our healthcare framework despite its extensive use?
Professor Adeneye: There are several factors at play. One of the primary reasons is the lack of formal validation and standardization in traditional practices. While Western medicine is heavily regulated, traditional medicine sometimes operates outside those boundaries, leading to skepticism. Additionally, there’s often a disconnect between policy-makers and practitioners of traditional medicine. We need to bridge that gap to ensure that these practices are integrated and regulated to maintain safety and efficacy.
Editor: Integration sounds crucial. What steps do you believe should be taken to achieve this?
Professor Adeneye: Firstly, we need to create a legal framework that recognizes and regulates traditional medicine practices. This would involve setting up advisory boards consisting of traditional medicine practitioners, pharmacologists, and policy-makers to create guidelines for practice and incorporation into the mainstream system. Educational programs could also play a vital role in informing both practitioners and the public about traditional medicine’s benefits and usage.
Editor: You mentioned economic benefits as well. How can embracing traditional medicine impact Nigeria’s economy?
Professor Adeneye: Integrating traditional medicine can have profound effects on our economy. By formalizing and regulating the sector, we could potentially tap into a global market for herbal medicines and alternative treatments. This can create jobs in research, cultivation of medicinal plants, and distribution. Moreover, reducing the financial burden on the public health system would release resources that could be used for other pressing issues.
Editor: Interesting! What do you think are some misconceptions that people might have about traditional medicine?
Professor Adeneye: A common misconception is that traditional medicine is somehow inferior to Western medicine. In reality, traditional medicine has a long history of use and has been effective for many conditions. Another misconception is that all traditional remedies are safe. Like any other medical practice, they have to be researched and used responsibly. Educating people about the benefits and risks is essential to changing these perceptions.
Editor: As an expert in pharmacology, how do you see the future of healthcare in Nigeria if traditional medicine were to be more widely embraced?
Professor Adeneye: I envision a healthcare system where traditional and modern practices coexist and complement each other. This integration could lead to a more holistic approach to health that prioritizes prevention and wellness, instead of merely treating illness. In the long run, this could lead to better patient outcomes, reduced healthcare costs, and an empowered population that takes an active role in their health.
Editor: Fascinating insights, Professor Adeneye. Your call for action is clear: together, we can unlock the potential of traditional medicine for the betterment of our society. Thank you for sharing your expertise with us today!
Professor Adeneye: Thank you for having me. It’s crucial to continue this conversation and work towards a healthier future for Nigeria!