Asha Juma holds a bundle of medicinal herbs she has just picked, their earthy scent carrying memories of her grandmother's wisdom.
For generations, this family heirloom of traditional knowledge has been the first defence against illness – not just in Tanzania's Dodoma region, where Asha lives, but across rural Africa.
"My grandmother taught me which roots can break a fever, and which to use if you want to soothe an upset stomach," Asha, a farmer, tells TRT Afrika.
"We have always known the power of these herbs. Now, to hear about doctors in big hospitals using them, it makes me proud. It means our knowledge is valuable. It means I don't have to choose between the ways of my ancestors and modern science; I can have both."
In a landmark move, Tanzania's ministry of health has begun offering approved traditional medicines in 14 regional referral hospitals, allowing patients to choose conventional treatment, herbal remedies or an integrated approach.
Integrated approach
The decision to offer traditional medicines as an optional or integrated line of treatment in hospitals was the culmination of extensive government-sponsored research into 42 varieties of herbal cures. Over 30 of these were approved after being "proven, beyond reasonable doubt, to be safe for human consumption".
Many of the approved products were showcased at an exhibition recently as part of African Traditional Medicine Week, commemorated at Chinangali Park in Dodoma.
The government's chief medical officer, Dr Grace Maghembe, points out that traditional medicine produced in Tanzania is of such high quality that several of these are now being exported.
"This initiative is based on data confirming that 80% of Africans rely on traditional medication for most needs," says Dr Maghembe. "We are now strengthening traditional remedies with scientific evidence."
Vindication of trust
Asha and millions like her carrying forward the legacy of traditional medicine see this formal recognition as a validation of basic healthcare practices she has trusted all her life.
In Nigeria's Lagos, businessman Chike Okonkwo credits a traditional remedy with relieving him of a chronic illness after conventional treatments provided little relief.
"I was sceptical at first, but my family insisted I see an experienced herbalist," Chike tells TRT Afrika.
"The preparation he gave me worked like a charm. Within weeks, my energy returned. But this isn't magic; it's a knowledge bank of traditional medicine that our people have refined over centuries. I am thrilled to see countries like Tanzania leading the way in researching and legitimising what we have always known to be true."
Global direction
Tanzania is collaborating with the World Health Organisation (WHO) to advance traditional medicine by sharing its research findings.
Several public institutions – Muhimbili National Hospital, the National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR) and Sokoine University of Agriculture – are jointly running studies to ensure the safety and efficacy of traditional cures.
Dodoma's regional administrative secretary, Dr Khatibu Kazungu, represented Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa at the recent event and outlined a roadmap for the sector, including a new policy framework and regulation of practitioners.
A modern traditional medicine factory with 39 machines installed by NIMR has come up at Mabibo, Dar es Salaam. "This factory will produce quality medicines that meet international standards," says Dr Kazungu.
Amid the optimism generated by the government's initiative, practitioners like Dr James Mussa sound a note of caution.
"We must crack down on pseudo-herbalists," he tells TRT Afrika. "They undermine this dignified industry and create confusion within our communities."
