Govt roots for science-backed traditional medicine
DODOMA: THE government has underscored the need for scientific validation of traditional medicine to enhance healthcare delivery and ensure safety, efficacy and quality of herbal remedies widely used by Tanzanians.
Speaking today,29 August 2025, in Dodoma while opening the 4th Traditional Medicine Scientific Conference on behalf of the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, Director of Health, Reproductive, Maternal and Child Health, Dr Ahmad Makuani, said traditional medicine has remained the first point of care for many people.
He noted that some of the world’s most important medicines, including anti-malaria drugs, originated from traditional remedies, stressing that Tanzania is rich in biodiversity that must be harnessed responsibly.
“The challenge before us is to go beyond anecdotal healing stories and focus on scientific validation. We need more clinical research, investment in herbal medicine, stronger local production, and closer collaboration between scientists and traditional practitioners,” Dr Makuani said.
He added that integration of validated traditional medicines into national treatment guidelines and referral systems is critical to achieving health equity.
“Let us remember that our goal is not to replace one system with another, but to build an inclusive healthcare system that draws from both modern and traditional sources of healing, in order to achieve global health balance and Tanzania’s national vision under Development Agenda 2050,” he stressed.
On his part, National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR) Director General, Prof Said Aboud, said the government has invested in modern laboratory infrastructure to strengthen herbal medicine research.
He said more than 80 advanced machines have been installed at the NIMR Mabibo Centre for quality control, while 14 hospitals are already providing integrated services using registered herbal medicines.
Prof Aboud revealed that clinical trials are ongoing in collaboration with Muhimbili and Ocean Road hospitals to determine the safety and effectiveness of herbal remedies in managing cervical, prostate and breast cancers.
He further noted that NIMR has strengthened collaboration with traditional medicine practitioners as well as local and international development partners, creating opportunities for knowledge exchange and innovation.
“This 4th conference is proof of our continuing journey. It reflects our belief that traditional medicine is an essential component of an inclusive health system in Tanzania.
However, compared to other health fields, the number of traditional medicine studies remains limited due to financial constraints. The institute is taking various measures to address this challenge,” he said.
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NIMR, he said, has also acquired large-scale processing machines at the Mabibo plant, with full production expected to begin in October this year. The facilities will also be available to other herbal producers to improve quality.
This year’s conference is themed “Advancing Traditional Medicine for Health Equity, Innovation and Sustainable Development.”
