Integrative, Complementary and Traditional Health Practices in Africa and Low -and Medium -Income Countries (2020–2024): A Retrospective Review of Equity, Inclusion and Sustainability
1
Theriogenology, University Of Abuja, Gwagwalada, Nigeria
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Integrative, complementary and traditional health practices (ICTHP) are deeply embedded in healthcare delivery across Africa and other low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where access to conventional medical services may be limited by cost, geography, or workforce shortages. During the COVID-19 pandemic, reliance on traditional and herbal therapies increased markedly, highlighting both their importance for community-level health and the urgent need for evidence-informed integration. In line with the World Health Organization’s strategy on traditional medicine, this study retrospectively reviews ICTHP-related research published between 2020 and 2024, with a focus on equity, inclusion, and sustainability within African and LMIC health systems.
METHODS:
A retrospective literature review was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and WHO databases. Peer-reviewed articles published from January 2020 to December 2024 were eligible. Included studies comprised systematic reviews, clinical and observational studies, and policy or implementation analyses involving ICTHP in human populations. Data were extracted on geographic region, study design, intervention type, health conditions addressed, outcomes, safety reporting, and references to health system integration. Due to heterogeneity across interventions and outcome measures, findings were synthesized narratively.
RESULTS:
ICTHP-related publications increased substantially between 2020 and 2022, driven largely by COVID-19 research. African and Asian regions accounted for a significant proportion of prevalence and observational studies, reporting high use of herbal and traditional therapies for infectious and chronic conditions. Evidence of clinical benefit was mixed and often limited by small sample sizes and methodological weaknesses. High rates of concurrent use of ICTHP and conventional medicine were reported, with low disclosure to healthcare providers. Regulatory frameworks, pharmacovigilance systems, and standardized outcome reporting were inconsistently addressed across LMIC settings.
CONCLUSIONS:
ICTHP remain central to healthcare access. Strengthening regulatory oversight, research quality, and culturally inclusive integration strategies is essential to ensure these practices contribute safely and sustainably to equitable global health.
Integrative, complementary and traditional health practices (ICTHP) are deeply embedded in healthcare delivery across Africa and other low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where access to conventional medical services may be limited by cost, geography, or workforce shortages. During the COVID-19 pandemic, reliance on traditional and herbal therapies increased markedly, highlighting both their importance for community-level health and the urgent need for evidence-informed integration. In line with the World Health Organization’s strategy on traditional medicine, this study retrospectively reviews ICTHP-related research published between 2020 and 2024, with a focus on equity, inclusion, and sustainability within African and LMIC health systems.
METHODS:
A retrospective literature review was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and WHO databases. Peer-reviewed articles published from January 2020 to December 2024 were eligible. Included studies comprised systematic reviews, clinical and observational studies, and policy or implementation analyses involving ICTHP in human populations. Data were extracted on geographic region, study design, intervention type, health conditions addressed, outcomes, safety reporting, and references to health system integration. Due to heterogeneity across interventions and outcome measures, findings were synthesized narratively.
RESULTS:
ICTHP-related publications increased substantially between 2020 and 2022, driven largely by COVID-19 research. African and Asian regions accounted for a significant proportion of prevalence and observational studies, reporting high use of herbal and traditional therapies for infectious and chronic conditions. Evidence of clinical benefit was mixed and often limited by small sample sizes and methodological weaknesses. High rates of concurrent use of ICTHP and conventional medicine were reported, with low disclosure to healthcare providers. Regulatory frameworks, pharmacovigilance systems, and standardized outcome reporting were inconsistently addressed across LMIC settings.
CONCLUSIONS:
ICTHP remain central to healthcare access. Strengthening regulatory oversight, research quality, and culturally inclusive integration strategies is essential to ensure these practices contribute safely and sustainably to equitable global health.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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