MWE Correspondent
The Mbeya Regional Chief Medical Officer, Dr Elizabeth Nyema, has urged members of the public to exercise caution when using traditional medicine and ensure they seek services from recognised practitioners.
Dr Nyema said patient safety, the quality of traditional medicines and scientific evidence should form the foundation for the use and development of traditional healthcare practices.
She made the remarks on August 27, 2026, during celebrations marking African Traditional Medicine Week, which is being observed in Tanzania from August 25 to 31, 2026. The climax of the celebrations is expected to take place on August 31 at Uhindini Grounds in Mbeya City.
According to Dr Nyema, this year’s theme, “Efforts in Traditional Medicine Research Towards Universal Health Coverage,” is intended to remind the public and stakeholders that the advancement of traditional medicine requires research, scientific validation and safe practices.
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“Traditional medicine is part of Tanzania’s health resources, community knowledge and national heritage. It is therefore important to develop it in a way that protects citizens while also providing opportunities to identify treatments with genuine benefits for public health,” she said.
African Traditional Medicine Day is commemorated in recognition of Resolution AFR/RC50/R3, which was adopted by Health Ministers from countries in the WHO African Region during the 50th session of the WHO Regional Committee for Africa held in Burkina Faso in 2000. The day was first commemorated in 2003.
Dr Nyema said Tanzania has continued to establish systems aimed at ensuring that the traditional medicine sector operates in an organised and regulated manner to protect the interests of citizens.
She noted that the country has put in place various frameworks, including the National Health Policy of 2007, the Traditional and Alternative Medicines Act, Cap. 244, and the Fifth Health Sector Strategic Plan 2021–2026.
These frameworks help guide issues such as the registration of practitioners, regulation of products, professional ethics, research and cooperation between traditional medicine providers and conventional healthcare professionals.
Dr Nyema stressed that strengthening research and scientific evidence in traditional medicine will play an important role in ensuring Tanzanians benefit from safe, effective and reliable healthcare services as the country moves towards achieving universal health coverage.
