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The United Nations Federation of International ASTRO Africa (UNFIA) has formalised a partnership with the National Association of Nigerian Traditional Medicine Practitioners (NANTMP), towards advancing traditional medicine and foster global collaboration.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed at the UNFIA Office in Abuja, Nigeria between UNFIA’s Africa Resident Coordinator, Prof Olumuyiwa Babalola, and NANTMP’s National President, Dr Shaba Maikudi.
The NANTMP, which is the umbrella body for over more than 500,000 traditional medicine practitioners, as gathered, is poised to make a global impact through the alliance.
As part of the agreement, both organisations are expected to work together to promote, preserve, and elevate traditional medicine, while creating a comprehensive database that would connect NANTMP practitioners with a global audience.
Babalola, in his address, emphasised the importance of the partnership in bridging the gap between traditional African medicine and the world orthodox medicine.
His words: “This is a transformative step forward in ensuring that the rich knowledge of African medicine is shared and appreciated on a global scale.”
Also, Maikudi echoed the sentiment, adding: “Our practitioners will now have access to opportunities for international recognition, learning, and collaboration.”
He stated that the NANTMP represents a wide variety of practitioners, including members of the Traditional Raw Materials Association, Traditional Birth Attendants, Faith Healers, and Islamic Prophetic Medicine Practitioners. He noted that all members of the group would benefit from the partnership.
Maikudi noted that traditional African medicine has long been at the heart of healthcare in many communities, saying: “Yet, despite its proven efficacy, practitioners have faced challenges, such as limited formal recognition and restricted access to global platforms.
“Through this MoU, both organisations will address these issues by creating exchange programmes that allow traditional medicine practitioners to share their knowledge, learn from global experts, and gain access to certification programmes that will enhance their credibility.”
