The Lagos State Traditional Medicine Board has called for increased investment in research, innovation, standardisation and effective regulation of traditional medicine to strengthen its contribution to Universal Health Coverage (UHC). The Registrar of the Board, Prince Babatunde Adele, made the call on Tuesday at the 2026 African Traditional Medicine Day celebration held at the NUT... The post Traditional Medicine: Lagos Board Seeks More Research, Innovation appeared first on New Telegraph .
The Lagos State Traditional Medicine Board has called for increased investment in research, innovation, standardisation and effective regulation of traditional medicine to strengthen its contribution to Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
The Registrar of the Board, Prince Babatunde Adele, made the call on Tuesday at the 2026 African Traditional Medicine Day celebration held at the NUT Pavilion, behind TISCO, NERDC Road, Central Business District, Alausa, Ikeja.
The celebration, organised under the theme, “Reflection on Research and Development Efforts of Traditional Medicine Towards Achieving Universal Health Coverage in the African Region,” brought together government officials, researchers, regulatory bodies, professional associations, development partners and traditional medicine practitioners.
Adele said the annual event was not merely an opportunity to celebrate Africa’s rich traditional medicine heritage, but also a platform to reflect on how the sector could be strengthened through research, innovation, evidence-based practices and effective regulation.
He described the theme as timely, noting that traditional medicine had remained an important source of healthcare for generations across African communities.
He, however, stressed the need for indigenous medical knowledge to be properly documented, scientifically researched, standardised and developed in ways that would promote safety, quality, efficacy and public confidence.
According to him, the Lagos State Traditional Medicine Board remained committed to fulfilling its regulatory responsibilities while supporting the professional development of practitioners and promoting responsible practices within the sector.
Adele said meaningful progress in traditional medicine would require stronger collaboration among government institutions, traditional medicine practitioners, researchers, healthcare professionals, regulatory agencies, academia, industry players and development partners.
He urged stakeholders to use the celebration as an opportunity to engage in open discussions, share knowledge and identify practical areas for collaboration, research and innovation.
The Registrar also commended the Lagos State Government, particularly the Ministry of Health, for its continued support for the Board and the traditional medicine sector.
He appreciated invited dignitaries, partner organisations, researchers, professional associations and traditional medicine practitioners for their contributions towards sustaining and advancing the sector.
Adele said the ultimate goal should be to transform Africa’s rich traditional medical heritage into safe, credible, evidence-informed and accessible healthcare solutions capable of contributing meaningfully to Universal Health Coverage.
Delivering the keynote address, the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr Dayo Lajide, described the celebration as a great privilege and an opportunity to reflect on the role of traditional medicine in achieving Universal Health Coverage across the continent.
Lajide said the occasion provided an avenue to celebrate Africa’s rich medical heritage while examining how traditional medicine could be responsibly harnessed to improve healthcare delivery.
He noted that African traditional medicine had served communities for generations and remained an important source of healthcare because of its cultural acceptability, accessibility and affordability.
The Permanent Secretary emphasised the importance of strengthening research and development efforts to ensure that traditional medicine practices and products met acceptable standards of safety, quality and efficacy.
He added that with adequate research, innovation, regulation and collaboration among stakeholders, traditional medicine could play a more significant role in strengthening healthcare delivery and improving access to health services.
The event also provided stakeholders with an opportunity to discuss the future of traditional medicine and its potential contribution to healthcare delivery in Lagos State, Nigeria and the wider African region.
