NAIROBI– Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has officially opened the East African Forum on Traditional, Complementary and Integrative Medicine (TCIM), underscoring the sector’s critical role in strengthening healthcare systems across the region.
The high-level forum, bringing together policymakers, researchers and practitioners from member states of the East African Community, is focused on enhancing policy and regulatory frameworks to support the safe, effective and evidence-based integration of TCIM into national health systems.
In his keynote address, Duale noted that millions of East Africans continue to rely on traditional and complementary medicine for their daily healthcare needs, highlighting its enduring relevance within primary healthcare systems.
“We must embrace innovative health system models that draw upon all safe, evidence-based forms of care,” he said, emphasizing the importance of inclusive and people-centred approaches in tackling emerging infectious diseases and the growing burden of non-communicable diseases.
The Cabinet Secretary commended Partner States for making progress in developing policies, legal frameworks and strategic initiatives to guide the safe practice of TCIM.
He stressed that enhanced regional cooperation—through the sharing of experiences, research and best practices—would help close regulatory gaps and accelerate harmonisation efforts.
Duale urged delegates to ensure the forum delivers concrete and actionable outcomes, particularly in strengthening regulatory systems, building institutional capacity and improving coordination among stakeholders.
Outlining Kenya’s progress, Duale highlighted ongoing initiatives to integrate traditional medicine into national health priorities. These include policy reforms, structured research frameworks and the development of a practitioners’ handbook aimed at standardising practice.
He pointed to the coordinated role of key institutions such as 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 to TCIM integration.
The Cabinet Secretary further aligned Kenya’s efforts with global frameworks, citing the World Health OrganizationTraditional Medicine Strategy 2025–2034 and reaffirming the country’s readiness to harmonise regional priorities within the East African Community.
Other speakers at the forum included Principal Secretary for Medical Services Ouma Oluga, WHO Representative to Kenya Neema Kimambo, Pradeep Kumar from the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre, and Tido Schoen-Angererof the TCIH Coalition.
Participants are expected to deliberate on regulatory harmonisation, research collaboration and institutional strengthening as part of broader efforts to ensure that traditional, complementary and integrative medicine is safely and effectively embedded within national healthcare systems.
The forum marks a significant step toward consolidating regional action on TCIM, reflecting a shared commitment among East African nations to promote innovation, protect public health and preserve cultural heritage while advancing universal health coverage.
