Nigeria’s Prof Martins Emeje appointed Co-Chair of WHO Advisory Group on Traditional Medicine

Nigeria’s Professor Martins Emeje has been appointed Co-Chair of the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) newly established Strategic and Technical Advisory Group on Traditional, Complementary and Integrative Medicine (STAG-TM).

Professor Emeje, who currently serves as Director-General of the Nigeria Natural Medicine Development Agency (NNMDA), was named alongside Dr Susan Wieland, Director at Cochrane Complementary Medicine, following the formal inauguration of the advisory group.

The creation of STAG-TM marks a significant milestone under the WHO Traditional Medicine Strategy, which aims to strengthen global health systems by integrating traditional and complementary medicine in a safe, effective, and evidence-based manner.

WHO described the appointments as reflecting its commitment to inclusive, balanced, and scientifically rigorous leadership in advancing traditional, complementary, and integrative medicine worldwide. Both co-chairs bring extensive experience in research, policy development, and natural products innovation.

As head of NNMDA, Professor Emeje has played a pivotal role in promoting research, regulation, and commercialisation of natural medicines in Nigeria, highlighting the country’s growing influence in global health governance and innovation in traditional medicine.

The 19-member advisory group will provide expert guidance to WHO on policy frameworks, research priorities, and best practices to ensure the quality, safety, and effectiveness of traditional medicine within national healthcare systems.

Speaking at the group’s inaugural meeting in New Delhi, India, WHO Assistant Director-General for Health Systems, Access and Data, Dr Yukiko Nakatani, called the initiative a pivotal moment for traditional medicine, recognising it as both a cultural heritage and a core component of national health systems.

WHO Chief Scientist, Dr Sylvie Briand, stressed that while traditional medicine is growing rapidly worldwide, it has not always been supported by robust evidence or regulatory standards. She said the advisory group would help close these gaps through stronger governance and scientific oversight.