Applications of Natural Medicine (Traditional Medicine/Complementary and Alternative Medicine) in Nigerian Healthcare Delivery System

Natural medicine in form of Traditional Medicine (TM) or Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) have proved to be efficacious in treatment of various diseases for bodily, physical, mental, spiritual and general wellbeing. In Nigeria, natural medicine has been applied to treat sickle cell disease, cancer, musculoskeletal pain, asthma, malaria, typhoid fever, pile, fever, measles, diarrhea, cough, sexually transmitted diseases, stomach ulcers, pneumonia, diabetes, mental disorders, stroke et cetera. The Nigeria Natural Medicine Development Agency (NNMDA) is mandated to produce, develop, regulate and integrate natural medicines into the Nigerian healthcare delivery system. The applications of natural medicine (TM/CAM) in the Nigerian healthcare delivery system have been proven to be essential, beneficial, safe and affordable to rural and urban dwellers in Nigeria.

Keywords: Natural Medicine, Traditional Medicine (TM), Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM), Nigerian Healthcare Delivery System.