The Role of Traditional Medicine in West Africa

A systematic review published in PLOS ONE in July 2024 explores the critical role of traditional medicine across West Africa, emphasizing its critical contribution to healthcare, particularly in rural areas where access to modern medical facilities is limited. Traditional medicine has been a cornerstone of healthcare in the region for centuries, offering a holistic approach to treating a wide range of health conditions. It is deeply embedded in the cultural fabric of West African societies and is often the first line of treatment for many ailments, including malaria, diabetes, and gastrointestinal disorders.

The review, covering research from 1979 to 2023, highlights the growing body of scientific studies focused on traditional medicine in the region. Despite the growing body of scientific research and the inherent value of traditional knowledge, traditional medicine remains in the sidelines in many national health systems across the region, largely due to concerns from clinicians and policymakers about its safety, efficacy, and the feasibility of integrating it with conventional healthcare practices.

Half of the studies analyzed in the review were from Nigeria, followed by Ghana, both of which have a long history of utilizing medicinal plants and herbal remedies. The review identifies several key plant families, such as Combretaceae, Euphorbiaceae, and Rubiaceae, as the most frequently studied for their medicinal properties. These plants are used in various forms, including decoctions, infusions, and macerations, and are primarily applied to treat conditions such as malaria, skin infections, and digestive issues. The leaves and roots of these plants are often prepared in mixtures that have been passed down through generations, reflecting the intergenerational transmission of knowledge in many West African communities.

The study underscores the cultural significance of traditional medicine in West Africa, where local healers, or herbalists, are highly respected members of their communities. These practitioners often serve as the de facto primary healthcare providers in rural areas, where conventional medical infrastructure is scarce or inaccessible. The review highlights the need for collaborative efforts between traditional healers and other healthcare practitioners to ensure that these remedies are used safely and effectively. This collaboration is crucial, as many of these treatments have not undergone rigorous scientific testing, despite centuries of anecdotal evidence supporting their efficacy.

The authors of the review call for more clinical trials to assess the effectiveness of traditional treatments, particularly for high-burden diseases like malaria and diabetes. These diseases remain major public health challenges in West Africa, and integrating proven traditional remedies into the healthcare system could greatly improve health outcomes. For instance, some traditional remedies used for malaria treatment have shown promise in initial studies, but further research is needed to validate their safety and efficacy at a larger scale.

The review also emphasizes the importance of establishing regulatory frameworks that integrate traditional practices into national healthcare systems. Policymakers are encouraged to create guidelines that ensure quality control and patient safety while preserving the cultural heritage associated with traditional medicine. Such frameworks would help formalize the role of traditional healers within the broader healthcare system, allowing for more structured collaboration between traditional healers and healthcare professionals.

Expanding research beyond Nigeria and Ghana is another critical recommendation from the review. Although these two countries have contributed significantly to the body of research on traditional medicine, many other West African countries have rich traditions that remain underexplored. Conducting research in a wider array of countries would capture the diversity of traditional medical practices across the region and ensure that lesser-known remedies and healing practices are also studied and preserved.

In conclusion, this review underscores the potential for enhanced collaboration between traditional healers and modern healthcare providers, paving the way for a more inclusive and culturally sensitive healthcare system. By integrating traditional medicine into national health strategies, West African countries can promote holistic health approaches that respect cultural traditions while addressing modern public health challenges. The authors advocate for a healthcare model that combines the strengths of both traditional and modern medicine, ensuring that all communities, especially those in rural areas, have access to safe, effective, and culturally appropriate care.

References

D’Almeida SA, Gbomor SE, Osaio-Kamara B, Olagunju MT, Abodunrin OR, Foláyan MNO. A scoping review of the use of traditional medicine for the management of ailments in West Africa. PLoS One. 2024 Jul 8;19(7):e0306594. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0306594. PMID: 38976677; PMCID: PMC11230574.

Acknowledgements

This content was developed by the TMGL Editorial Team (JPS) with the assistance of the GPT Integrative Public Health Modeler, a generative artificial intelligence tool trained by BIREME/PAHO for the integration of traditional and scientific public health knowledge.