Dr. Onyeka Ibezim: Traditional medicine hold potentials
The Special Adviser to the Executive Governor of Anambra State on Indigenous Medicine And Herbal Practice – Dr Onyeka Ibezim has declared that traditional medicine holds so much untapped potentials which is capable of addressing the myriads of health challenges in the state and nation in general.
He stated that traditional medicine has been the main source of health care for the vast majority of Nigerians and its currently estimated that between 70 and 80% Nigerians use traditional medicine for the management of both communicable and non communicable diseases such as cancer, malaria, HIV/AIDS, diabetes, Hypertensives and tuberculosis. It is also noted that a high percentage of the rural populace patronize
traditional midwifery for their maternal and neonatal health problems. Traditional Birth Attendants (TBA5)
assists in majority of birth delivery of pregnant women in most Nigerian villages and communities.
He noted that Herbs are also used in quick healing of open injuries, stopping of bleeding, miscarriages, toothache, extraction of bullets from gun shots, etcetera. traditional Medicine has demonstrated great potential of therapeutic benefits in its contribution to modern medicine as an estimate of more than 30% of modern medicine is directly or indirectly sourced from traditional herbs such as analgesics (aspirin, Belladonna) anticancer medicines (Vincristine and Vinbiastine) anti-malaria (quinine, artemisinin); Anti- hypertensive agents (reserpine) and decongestants (ephedrine).
Dr. Onyeka Ibezim stated that The State Government has concluded plans to set up research centers and to collaborate with institutions of higher learning in carrying out joint research in areas of indigenous medicines as well as maximising the huge potential that are inherent in traditional medicine.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on indigenous medicine hinted in plans to introduced executive bills to the state house of Assembly for the review and reenactment of laws that will make Anambra State a hub of indigenous medicine research and production centres.
