Tanzania is seeking to accelerate the integration of scientifically proven traditional medicines into the formal healthcare system as researchers, health professionals and other stakeholders meet in Mbeya to assess the sector’s progress and challenges.
The push is being discussed at the Fifth Scientific Conference on Traditional Medicine, organised by the Ministry of Health through the National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR).
The conference brings together experts and stakeholders to examine how scientific research can support the safe and effective use of traditional medicine while strengthening its contribution to healthcare delivery.
Muhimbili Orthopaedic Institute (MOI) Director General Ambassador Dr Mpoki Ulisubisya was among senior health officials attending the conference on Friday.
He arrived at the event alongside the NIMR Director, who represented the Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health responsible for medicines and medical supplies, Mr Emmanuel Tayari.
The meeting comes as traditional medicine continues to play an important role in healthcare in many communities, creating a need for stronger links between traditional practices and modern scientific research.
Experts are expected to discuss ways of generating and applying scientific evidence on traditional medicines, including issues of safety, effectiveness, quality assurance and regulation.
For citizens, the integration of proven traditional medicines into the formal health system could broaden treatment options and potentially improve access to healthcare, particularly in communities where traditional medicine remains widely used.
But stakeholders also face the challenge of ensuring that medicines and treatments incorporated into the health system are properly researched, tested and regulated.
This is critical to protecting patients from ineffective or potentially harmful products and practices.
The conference therefore places emphasis on collaboration across sectors, bringing together researchers, health practitioners, traditional medicine stakeholders, regulators and other institutions involved in healthcare and medical research.
The discussions are being held under the theme: “Accelerating the Integration of Scientifically Proven Traditional Medicine into Formal Healthcare Systems: The Role of Multisectoral Collaboration.”
The conference underscores the growing importance of research and evidence in determining which traditional treatments can safely complement Tanzania’s formal healthcare services, while ensuring that patients remain at the centre of the country’s efforts to improve healthcare.