To improve the health sector and strengthen Nigeria’s economy, the Federal Government (FG) through the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has established a Ministerial Committee for the Development of the Phytomedicine Value Chain.
The committee is charged with the responsibility of integrating traditional and modern medicine, including building a foundation to support herbal remedies and rural livelihoods, which aligns with the World Health Organization (WHO).
Dr. Iziaq Salako, Honourable Minister of State for Health & Social Welfare, during the inauguration of the committee, described the initiative as a testament which aims to achieve universal health coverage (UHC), economic diversification, employment opportunities, and wealth creation.
“This is not just a health policy,” Salako said, “it is also a socio-economic policy.”
Read Also: Nigeria’s healthcare sector gets N32.8bn boost
The minister added that it will position Nigeria into the growing global market for herbal medicinal products and significantly improve the country’s national economy.
Dr. Obi, Chairman of the Committee and Director-General of NIPRD, while speaking, expressed optimism about the inaugurated committee and reaffirmed the commitment of the committee to championing the phytomedicines value chain for a transformative economy.
“We will create high-value employment, build robust capacity, secure revenue streams and, above all, improve health outcomes for Nigerians,” Dr. Adigwe disclosed.
The committee is made up of government officials, the private sector, international partners, a WHO representative, and Traditional & Natural Medicine Practitioners.
The committee is tasked with responsibilities to develop a comprehensive framework, identify key phytomedicinal products, propose policy reforms and regulatory mechanisms, and engage with key stakeholders, including traditional healers, to create capacity building.
Other responsibilities involve recommending sustainable financing and investment models and ensuring that the national health strategies and global health practices align with WHO guidelines on traditional medicine.
