The World Health Organization (WHO), led by Ms. Shenaaz El-Halabi, recently met with Professor Motlalepula Matsabisa from the University of the Free State—an expert in African Traditional Medicine (ATM) and co-chair of the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Summit Steering Committee. The discussion focused on collaborating to incorporate ATM into mainstream health systems, boosting its global visibility, and developing policies and investments to support its integration.
South Africa’s leadership in this initiative highlights the country’s role in positioning African Traditional Medicine as a key part of the journey toward Universal Health Coverage (UHC). This partnership underscores a broader movement to recognize and leverage indigenous medicinal knowledge, combining traditional practices with modern healthcare approaches.
As these efforts advance, they promise to enhance health outcomes, promote cultural heritage, and foster innovative research—placing Africa at the forefront of global traditional medicine development.
