The vibrant sounds of traditional songs, colourful cultural performances, and the energy of hundreds of community members filled Kamhlushwa Stadium in the Ehlanzeni District, Mpumalanga, as South Africa commemorated African Traditional Medicine Day 2026. The event brought together traditional health practitioners, government leaders, health professionals, researchers and community members to celebrate the enduring contribution of African traditional medicine to health and wellbeing.
African Traditional Medicine Day is observed annually on 31 August and marks the anniversary of a landmark decision by African Ministers of Health in 2000 at the WHO Regional Committee for Africa in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. The day recognises the vital role traditional medicine continues to play in healthcare systems across the continent, where an estimated 80% of the population relies on it for some of their primary healthcare needs.
This year's commemoration was held under the theme "Reflection on Research and Development Efforts of Traditional Medicine Towards Achieving Universal Health Coverage in the African Region." The theme resonated strongly throughout the day's discussions, highlighting the growing importance of research, innovation and collaboration in strengthening traditional medicine's contribution to accessible, people-centred healthcare.
Leading the commemoration, Deputy Minister of Health, Dr Joe Phaahla, emphasised the government's ongoing engagement with traditional health practitioner associations and other stakeholders on the future of traditional medicine in South Africa. He highlighted discussions to strengthen the profession by developing recognised practice areas, including traditional midwifery, traditional surgery and general traditional health practice.
Representing the Mpumalanga Health Department, Deputy Director-General for Clinical Health Services, Ms Duduzile Mdluli, highlighted the province's efforts to strengthen collaboration between traditional health practitioners and public healthcare facilities. In Mpumalanga, traditional practitioners have received training in basic health screening skills, including blood pressure measurement, blood glucose screening and the identification of tuberculosis symptoms, thereby strengthening community-based health promotion and referral systems.
The World Health Organization (WHO) joined the commemoration and reaffirmed its support for integrating evidence-informed traditional medicine into broader health systems. In a message delivered by Dr Kevin Makadzange on behalf of WHO South Africa Representative Ms Shenaaz El-Halabi, participants were reminded that traditional medicine remains deeply rooted in African culture and continues to be a trusted source of care for many communities. The message underscored the need to strengthen research, regulation, safety, quality assurance and innovation to unlock the full potential of traditional medicine and support progress towards Universal Health Coverage.
The day began with a symbolic 5-kilometre community walk, followed by an aerobics session promoting healthy lifestyles and physical activity. Participants also visited health screening stations and mobile clinics, where they received screening and testing services and health information from healthcare workers.
A highlight of the event was the exhibition area, where traditional health practitioners from all nine provinces showcased medicinal plants, traditional remedies and indigenous knowledge systems passed down through generations. The displays underscored the richness of Africa's traditional healing heritage and its continued relevance in addressing today's health challenges.
The event concluded with a clear message from speakers and participants alike: traditional medicine is an important part of Africa's health landscape and a valuable cultural asset deserving recognition, protection and scientific exploration. Investments in research, innovation, regulation and partnerships can help transform traditional knowledge into evidence-based solutions that contribute to healthier communities and more resilient health systems.
As South Africa joined the continent in marking African Traditional Medicine Day, the commemoration served as a powerful reminder that achieving Universal Health Coverage will require drawing on all available strengths, including the rich heritage, knowledge and practices that have sustained African communities for generations.
Together, the message was clear: Africa's traditional knowledge can help shape a healthier future for Africa.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of WHO Regional Office for Africa.
