Traditional medicine practitioners, faith healers, others move to get formal recognition

The National Association of Nigerian Traditional Medicine Practitioners (NANTMP) said it has concluded plans to gain formal recognition and have access to global platforms for credence.

NANTMPs is made up of the Traditional Raw Materials Association, Traditional Birth Attendants, Faith Healers, Islamic Prophetic Medicine Practitioners and other numerous traditional medicine practitioners.

The National President of NANTMP, Dr. Shaba Maikudi, disclosed this in a statement on Friday following a Memorandum of Understanding signed with the
United Nations Federation of International ASTRO Africa (UNFIA) in Abuja.

Maikudi regretted that despite the proven efficacy of traditional medicine, it has faced numerous setbacks of limited formal recognition and access to global platforms, saying that with the MoU signed, those challenges would be surmounted.

He also disclosed planz for development of a digital platform that will serve as a global database for NANTMP members and enable information accessibility for researchers, institutions and practitioners around the world.

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“Traditional African medicine has long been at the heart of healthcare in many communities. Yet, despite its proven efficacy, practitioners have faced challenges such as limited formal recognition and restricted access to global platforms.

“Through this MoU, both organizations will address these issues by creating exchange programs that allow traditional medicine practitioners to share their knowledge, learn from global experts, and gain access to certification programs that enhance their credibility,” he said.

Also speaking, UNFIA’s Africa Resident Coordinator, Professor Olumuyiwa Babalola, said both organizations will work together to promote, preserve and elevate traditional medicine while creating a comprehensive database that will connect NABTMP practitioners with a global audience.

He noted that the essence of the partnership was to ensure that the rich knowledge of African medicine is shared and appreciated on a global scale, adding, “Our practitioners will now have access to opportunities for international recognition, learning, and collaboration.”