Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale officially opened the East African Forum on Traditional, Complementary and Integrative Medicine (TCIM) and the sector’s role in strengthening regional healthcare systems through research and indigenous knowledge.

The meeting underlined the recognition of traditional herbal medicine or mitishamba in East Africa and wider Africa that still relies on natural cure.

The forum attended by policymakers, researchers and practitioners from the East African Community focuses on strengthening policy and regulatory frameworks to support the safe and evidence-based integration of TCIM into national health systems.

Duale noted that millions of East Africans rely on traditional and complementary medicine for everyday care, underscoring its continued relevance within primary healthcare.

Also, he emphasized the need for inclusive, people-cantered and innovative models of care to address emerging infectious threats and the rising burden of non-communicable diseases.

“We must embrace innovative health system models that draw upon all safe, evidence-based forms of care,” Duale directed.

The Kenyan minister commended partner states for developing policies, legal frameworks and strategic initiatives to guide safe and effective TCIM practice, stressing that regional cooperation through shared experiences and best practices will accelerate progress and address existing regulatory gaps.

Outlining Kenya’s national initiatives, the cabinet secretary cited ongoing efforts to integrate traditional medicine into health priorities through policy development, structured research frameworks and a practitioners’ handbook to standardize practice.

He underlined the coordinated role of institutions including the Pharmacy and Poisons Board, Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC), and the State Department for Culture and Heritage in advancing a whole-of-government approach.

Duale linked Kenya’s efforts to global health agendas, noting alignment with the WHO Traditional Medicine Strategy 2025-2034 and reaffirming the country’s readiness to harmonise regional priorities within the East African Community.

He urged delegates to ensure the forum delivers actionable outcomes that strengthen regulatory systems, build institutional capacity and enhance coordination, reaffirming Kenya’s commitment to integrating TCIM responsibly and scientifically while safeguarding public health and preserving cultural heritage.

In attendance was the Principal Secretary for Medical Services Ouma Oluga, WHO Representative to Kenya Neema Kimambo, Dr Pradeep Kumar from the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre and Dr Tido Schoen-Angerer of the TCIH Coalition.

• A Tell Media / KNA report / By Michael Omondi