FG to establish traditional medicine database, research farms

The Nigerian Natural Medicine Development Agency (NNMDA) has said it is working towards creating a database of traditional medicine practitioners in the country this year. The director general of the agency, Prof. Martins Emeje, stated this during a parley with newsmen. He said it would integrate traditional knowledge into the broader healthcare framework in the […]

The Nigerian Natural Medicine Development Agency (NNMDA) has said it is working towards creating a database of traditional medicine practitioners in the country this year.

The director general of the agency, Prof. Martins Emeje, stated this during a parley with newsmen.

He said it would integrate traditional knowledge into the broader healthcare framework in the country.

The D-G said the agency is planning to establish research farms across the 774 LGAs of the country.

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He said the agency is also prioritising the fight against antimicrobial resistance, training of traditional medicine practitioners, and documentation of Nigeria’s biodiversity this year.

Prof. Emeje lamented the country’s dependence on imported medicines, saying it leaves it vulnerable.

He emphasised the need to harness the traditional medicinal plants that abound in the country.

The natural medicine agency boss said it unveiled four indigenous oral medicines in 2024 as part of efforts to provide local solutions to the country’s healthcare challenges.

The highlight of the event was the launch of Journalists for Natural Medicine (JONAMED), a coalition of media executives committed to advancing the promotion of Nigeria’s natural medicine.