Liberia: LMDC Pushes Tighter Regulation of Traditional Medicine, Warns Against ‘Cure-All’ Claims

SANNIQUELLIE, Nimba County — The Liberia Medical and Dental Council (LMDC) is calling for stronger regulatory, research and monitoring frameworks to govern traditional medicine and ensure its safe integration into Liberia’s healthcare system.

The call was made by LMDC Registrar General Dr. Augustus Garlet Quiah on behalf of Council Chairperson Dr. Ayun K. Cassell III and members of the Council during the 24th African Traditional Medicine Day celebration in Sanniquellie, Nimba County.

Held under the theme, “Reflection on Research and Development Efforts of Traditional Medicine towards Achieving Universal Health Coverage in Liberia,” the event brought together traditional and conventional healthcare practitioners, government institutions, researchers, community stakeholders and health-related organizations.

Dr. Quiah said sustained investment in research, policy development, capacity building, monitoring and regulation is necessary to ensure that traditional medicine practices are safe, responsible and appropriately incorporated into Liberia’s broader healthcare system.

“There is a need for clear policy and regulatory frameworks that will guide and monitor traditional healthcare practices, including establishing appropriate treatment limits and ensuring that practitioners do not make blanket claims that their remedies can cure all diseases and medical conditions,” Dr. Quiah said.

He said effective regulation would also create opportunities for stronger collaboration among government institutions, academic and scientific researchers, conventional healthcare providers and traditional medicine practitioners.

“Through collaboration, research and effective regulation, Liberia can create a more inclusive and resilient healthcare system that responds to the needs of every citizen, while ensuring that public safety remains a priority,” he added.

Traditional Medicine’s Role

The LMDC Registrar General acknowledged the significant role traditional medicine continues to play in Liberia, particularly in rural and underserved communities where access to conventional healthcare services remains limited.

While stressing that conventional medicine remains an essential component of Liberia’s national health system, Dr. Quiah said the potential contribution of traditional medicine to achieving Universal Health Coverage should also be recognized.

However, he cautioned that efforts to promote traditional medicine must be accompanied by scientific research, evidence-based practices, professional capacity building, monitoring and appropriate regulation to protect patients and the wider public.

The celebration was organized by the Ministry of Health through its Division of Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicines.

Participants included representatives of the Liberia Intellectual Property Office (LIPO), Liberia Medicines and Health Products Regulatory Authority (LMHRA), West African Health Organization (WAHO), LMDC, Ministry of Local Government, Traditional Medicine Association of Nimba, Liberia Traditional Medicine Federation (LIMEF) and the Nimba County Health Team.

The Office of Nimba County Superintendent Kou Meapeh Gono also participated, with the Superintendent represented by her Special Assistant, Prince Yeah, who served as keynote speaker.

Medicinal Plants Garden Launched

As part of the celebration, organizers officially launched the Nimba Medicinal Plants Garden, an initiative intended to highlight the importance of medicinal plants and preserve traditional healthcare knowledge.

Traditional healthcare providers were also certificated in recognition of their contributions to healthcare delivery through traditional medicine.

Meanwhile, local authorities have pledged to strengthen monitoring of traditional medicine practitioners, particularly those who use radio stations and other public platforms to advertise remedies while claiming that their products can cure all diseases and medical conditions.

The LMDC said such claims require closer scrutiny as part of efforts to protect the public from unsafe practices and misleading medical information.

Registration, Licensing Urged

Traditional and complementary medicine practitioners were encouraged to formally pursue registration and licensing in line with Ministry of Health and World Health Organization guidelines.

According to the LMDC, practitioners should begin by expressing their interest through the Ministry of Local Government, followed by engagement with the County Health Team before proceeding to the Complementary Medicines Unit at the Ministry of Health.

Final licensing or certification is to be handled by the Liberia Medical and Dental Council.

The Council said it remains committed to working with the Government of Liberia, health professionals, healthcare institutions, development partners, communities and other stakeholders to strengthen health regulation and promote a safe, accountable and quality healthcare system for Liberians.