Is traditional medicine controversial in Africa? A critical review

Abstract

Traditional medicine (TM) remains an essential component of healthcare in Sub-Saharan Africa, where up to 80% of the population relies on it for primary care. Deeply rooted in cultural beliefs and local health practices, TM continues to play a significant role in disease prevention and treatment. Several African countries are working to integrate TM into national health systems, recognizing its accessibility, affordability, and alignment with community values. This critical review examined whether TM is indeed contentious in the region. Using literature sourced from Google Scholar, PubMed, and African Journals Online, the review thematically analyzed data from academic publications, books, and institutional reports. Findings reflect an imbalanced debate. Supporters emphasize TM’s contribution to universal health coverage, its holistic approach, use of indigenous resources, and reported effectiveness in areas such as maternal and mental health. High utilization, especially in rural and underserved populations, underscores its continued relevance. However, critics point out the limited scientific validation, safety concerns, regulatory weaknesses, and difficulties in standardization and formal integration on the use and development of TM. Additional issues include inadequate practitioner training, environmental pressures on medicinal plants, and risks linked to commercialization. Overall, the debate stems from tension between TM’s cultural importance and unresolved concerns about evidence, safety, and sustainability