East African countries are stepping up efforts to formally integrate traditional, complementary and integrative medicine into their national health systems, with policymakers calling for stronger regulation, research and regional cooperation.
Kenya this week hosted a two-day East African Forum on Traditional, Complementary and Integrative Medicine (TCIM) in Nairobi, bringing together policymakers, regulators, researchers and traditional health practitioners from across the region.
Held under the theme “Strengthening the policy and regulatory framework for the integration of TCIM into national health systems of East African Community countries,” the forum focused on incorporating safe, effective and evidence-based traditional medicine into public healthcare systems to improve access and outcomes.
Delivering the keynote address, Kenya’s health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale called for collective commitment to ensure that TCIM practice is safe, effective and properly governed.
He urged regulatory bodies to demonstrate maturity, share experiences and best practices, and strengthen regional solidarity in shaping policy frameworks. Duale emphasized that quality assurance and regulation must remain central to integration efforts, alongside the development of practitioners’ handbooks to guide ethical and safe use.
Referring to landmark health legislation introduced since independence, he said integration must uphold dignity, patient safety, ethics and standards of care.
Dr. Tido von Schoen-Angerer, president of the TCIH Coalition Switzerland and co-host of the event, said integrating traditional medicine could strengthen health systems by expanding access to holistic care.
He pointed to Asian countries such as India and China, which have incorporated traditional medicine rooted in generational knowledge into formal healthcare systems. However, he cautioned African nations against copying those models wholesale.
“Africa must reshape and adapt such frameworks in ways that respect its own cultural heritage and health needs,” he said.
Principal Secretary for Medical Services Dr. Ouma Oluga credited Duale for establishing a dedicated division for Traditional and Alternative Medicine within the Ministry of Health, describing it as a significant step toward formal recognition and regulation of practitioners.
Under the new framework, traditional health practitioners including herbalists will be required to meet clear regulatory standards. These include transparency on the sources of herbal products, access to testing and analytical laboratories, and adherence to safety and ethical guidelines.
The Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) highlighted its ongoing research on integrating traditional and modern medicine, underscoring the need for scientific validation and monitoring.
Experts warned that unmonitored use of either traditional or conventional medicine without professional oversight could pose risks. They stressed the importance of specialist supervision and informed patient consent to prevent harm and misleading outcomes.
Duale also referenced the 2025–2034 regional strategy, which calls on countries to integrate safe, effective and evidence-based traditional medicine into national healthcare systems while preserving cultural heritage and indigenous knowledge.
He described the initiative as an opportunity to strengthen primary healthcare, unlock innovation and deepen regional cooperation through harmonized standards, research collaboration and shared solutions.
The forum concluded with a call for stronger global, regional and national regulatory frameworks that are culturally grounded and evidence-driven as East Africa moves toward formal integration of traditional medicine into mainstream healthcare.
