The World Health Organization (WHO) has taken a major step toward formally integrating traditional medicine into global health systems, appointing a Nigerian expert as co-chair of its first-ever technical advisory group dedicated to the field.
WHO announced the establishment of the Strategic and Technical Advisory Group on Traditional, Complementary and Integrative Medicine (STAG-TM), naming Professor Martins Emeje, director of Nigeria’s Natural Medicine Development Agency, as one of its two co-chairs.
WHO said the advisory group will guide the implementation of its Global Traditional Medicine Strategy 2025–2034, which seeks to bring scientific standards, regulation and governance to a sector used by billions worldwide.
“This is a pivotal moment for traditional medicine,” said Dr Yukiko Nakatani, WHO’s Assistant Director-General for Health Systems, Access and Data. She described traditional medicine as both a repository of cultural heritage and “a vital component of primary health care strategies.”
Traditional medicine has grown rapidly in recent decades, but WHO said that expansion has often outpaced evidence, regulation and policy oversight.
WHO Chief Scientist Dr Sylvie Briand said the new advisory group was created to close that gap.
“Its rapid growth has not always been matched by strong evidence standards, regulatory frameworks or sustainable governance,” she said, adding that the group is designed as “a formal WHO advisory mechanism” rather than an academic exercise.
What the advisory group will do
The STAG-TM comprises 19 independent experts selected through a global process to ensure geographic, gender and disciplinary balance. Members will serve two-year terms and work through annual meetings and specialized sub-groups.
According to WHO, the group will provide:
– scientific advice to shape global research priorities;
– technical guidance for developing norms and standards;
– recommendations on integrating traditional medicine into national health systems; and
– policy options for WHO member states.
At its inaugural meeting in New Delhi on 17 December 2025, held alongside the second WHO Global Traditional Medicine Summit, the group identified urgent priorities, including:
– improving evidence generation and research methods;
– preserving and documenting traditional knowledge;
– digitalisation and innovation; and
– capacity building and community engagement.
Professor Emeje will co-chair the group alongside Dr Susan Wieland, director of Cochrane Complementary Medicine.
WHO said their appointments reflect a commitment to “scientific excellence” and a balanced approach to innovation and evidence in traditional medicine.
Why it matters for Nigeria
The appointment places Nigeria at the centre of a global effort to legitimise and regulate traditional medicine. It also strengthens Nigeria’s position in shaping international standards that could influence research into herbal products.
WHO said it will next develop the group’s work plan for 2026–2027 and begin consultations with member states to advance the strategy.
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