Overview of governmental support across Africa towards the development and growth of herbal medicine

Abstract

Traditional African Medicine (TAM) is our socioeconomic and sociocultural heritage, providing service to over 80% of the population in Africa. Although, it has come a long way from the times of our ancestors, not much significant progress on its development and utilization had taken place due to colonial suppression on one hand, foreign religions in particular, absolute lack of patriotism, and political will of our Governments, and then on the other hand, the carefree attitude of most African medical scientists of all categories. It is incontrovertible that TAM exhibits far more merits than demerits and its values can be exploited provided the Africans themselves approach it with an open mind and scientific mentality. The degree of sensitization and mobilization by the World Health Organization (WHO) has encouraged some African countries to commence serious development on TAM. The gradual extinction of the forests and the inevitable disappearance of the aged Traditional Medical Practitioner should pose an impending deadline for us to learn, acquire, and document our medical–cultural endowment for the benefit of all Africans and indeed the entire mankind. There is a critical need to mainstream traditional medicine into public health care to achieve the objective of improved access to health care facilities. Increase of chronic diseases, awareness about limitation of modern medicine, proven efficacy of TCAM (Traditional Complementary and Alternative Medicine) systems in selected conditions, emerging interest in holistic preventive health, integrated approach to medical education, and increasing awareness among physicians are some of the reasons for renewed interest in traditional medicine. This chapter presents the current situation in Africa in terms of government support on achievement of development of herbal medicine, its utilization, preservation, and efforts of integration to convectional health care.