The Pan-African Parliament (PAP) has adopted a resolution to integrate traditional medicine into national health systems across Africa. This initiative aims to significantly reduce preventable maternal and newborn deaths, which remain disproportionately high on the continent. The resolution seeks to establish a continent-wide legal framework for traditional medicine, protect indigenous knowledge, and strengthen maternal and neonatal healthcare services.
This strategic move follows a recognition that traditional medicine serves as a trusted healthcare source for millions of Africans. The Parliament, through its Committee on Health, Labour and Social Affairs, spearheaded the resolution. Ghanaian MP Frank Annoh-Dompreh chairs this committee. The resolution mandates the development of a Pan-African Model Law on Traditional Medicines and the Protection of Local Knowledge. This model law will guide member states in creating harmonised legal and regulatory frameworks.
Africa continues to bear a significant burden of preventable maternal and neonatal deaths despite some improvements in healthcare access. The PAP highlighted that access to quality antenatal care, skilled delivery services, and emergency obstetric care remains uneven. This disparity is particularly evident in rural, remote, and underserved communities. Strengthening resilient maternal and neonatal health systems is central to Africa’s broader health security agenda, according to the Parliament.
The resolution insists that integrating traditional medicine into national health systems must be evidence-based. It requires strong regulation, quality assurance, and closer collaboration with conventional healthcare providers. It also acknowledges the vital contributions of traditional health practitioners, community health workers, midwives, and community leaders. These individuals play a crucial role in promoting maternal health, encouraging early care-seeking, and supporting referrals.
Drawing on findings from a joint parliamentary oversight mission to Zambia with the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), the Parliament noted the effectiveness of integrated, community-centred, and culturally responsive approaches. These methods offer significant opportunities to enhance maternal and neonatal healthcare. The resolution urges African Union member states to increase domestic investment in primary healthcare. This includes expanding access to quality antenatal, delivery, emergency obstetric, and newborn services.
Furthermore, the PAP calls for stronger health workforces and an uninterrupted supply of essential medicines, vaccines, diagnostics, and medical commodities. This focus is especially critical for underserved communities. Governments are also encouraged to strengthen legal and policy frameworks that support the safe development, regulation, and integration of traditional medicine. This includes accrediting traditional health practitioners and ensuring quality standards for traditional medicines.
The resolution also promotes protecting indigenous knowledge and strengthening cooperation between traditional and conventional healthcare providers. Member states, Africa CDC, research institutions, and development partners are encouraged to invest in scientific research and innovation. This investment should also support the local production of validated traditional medicines and strengthen community-based health systems. The Permanent Committee on Health, Labour and Social Affairs will work with African Union institutions to develop the Pan-African Model Law. This legislation will be crucial for guiding member states in integrating traditional medicine safely and effectively into their national health systems.