Senegal’s Traditional Medicine Stalled: 9 Years of Legislative Inaction – What’s Next?

Senegal’s National Assembly has faced mounting criticism for failing to act on a draft law aimed at integrating traditional medicine into the national healthcare system, despite repeated calls for its adoption over nearly a decade. According to a report by LACTUACHO.COM, the proposed legislation—first introduced in 2017—remains stalled, raising concerns about missed opportunities to expand access to traditional healing practices for millions of Senegalese who rely on them as primary or complementary care.

The delay underscores a broader challenge in West Africa, where traditional medicine plays a significant role in public health but often lacks formal recognition or regulatory oversight. While Senegal’s 2026 budget allocated funds to strengthen traditional medicine programs, the absence of a legal framework has hindered implementation, leaving practitioners and patients in a regulatory limbo.

Why Traditional Medicine Matters in Senegal

Traditional medicine—encompassing herbal remedies, spiritual healing, and indigenous therapies—is deeply embedded in Senegalese culture. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), over 80% of Senegal’s population uses traditional, complementary, or alternative medicine for their primary healthcare needs, often due to limited access to conventional medical services in rural areas. The WHO’s Global Traditional Medicine Strategy 2025–2034, adopted in April 2026, explicitly calls for African nations to harmonize traditional medicine with modern healthcare systems to achieve universal health coverage.

Yet in Senegal, the draft law—initially proposed to regulate traditional practitioners, standardize quality control, and integrate these therapies into the national health strategy—has seen no progress since its introduction. Experts warn that the delay risks perpetuating unsafe practices, undermining patient trust, and missing a critical opportunity to align with regional and global health priorities.

A Decade of Inaction

The draft law, first submitted to Senegal’s National Assembly in 2017, was intended to address gaps in healthcare access by formalizing the role of traditional healers. It proposed measures such as licensing requirements for practitioners, quality standards for medicinal plants, and mechanisms for collaboration between traditional and conventional healthcare providers.

Despite high-level discussions and public support—including endorsements from Senegal’s Ministry of Health and the WHO—the legislation has not advanced through committee review. Sources close to the Assembly cite bureaucratic hurdles, political divisions, and competing priorities as key obstacles. Meanwhile, traditional healers continue to operate without legal recognition, leaving them vulnerable to exploitation and their patients without recourse in cases of harm.

“This is not just about legislation; it’s about lives,” said a source familiar with the stalled process. “Families in rural areas depend on these healers for basic care. Without regulation, they’re left unprotected.”

Global Context: Africa’s Push for Traditional Medicine Reform

Senegal is not alone in grappling with the integration of traditional medicine into formal healthcare systems. At the World Health Summit Regional Meeting in Nairobi in late April 2026, African leaders and health officials emphasized the urgent need to move beyond policy discussions and implement concrete measures. The WHO’s Global Traditional Medicine Strategy outlines a roadmap for countries to develop national frameworks, train practitioners, and conduct research on traditional therapies’ efficacy and safety.

Countries like Rwanda and Ghana have made strides in this area, establishing regulatory bodies and integrating traditional medicine into their national health insurance schemes. In contrast, Senegal’s inaction stands out as a missed opportunity in a region where traditional medicine is a cornerstone of healthcare for millions.

What Comes Next?

With Senegal’s National Assembly set to reconvene in June 2026, advocates for the traditional medicine bill are urging lawmakers to prioritize its passage. Civil society groups, including the Senegalese Association of Traditional Healers, have launched campaigns to pressure legislators, while the Ministry of Health has reiterated its commitment to supporting the bill’s adoption.

However, challenges remain. Some lawmakers have expressed skepticism about the scientific validation of traditional therapies, while others argue that resources should be directed toward expanding conventional healthcare infrastructure. Without a clear political mandate, the bill’s future remains uncertain.

For now, the delay continues to leave a critical gap in Senegal’s healthcare system—one that disproportionately affects the most vulnerable populations. As the WHO’s strategy gains momentum across Africa, Senegal’s ability to act swiftly could determine whether it remains an outlier or joins the continent’s efforts to harness traditional medicine as a tool for equitable, accessible healthcare.

This report is based on verified reporting from LACTUACHO.COM and aligns with the WHO’s global priorities for traditional medicine integration. For updates on Senegal’s healthcare policy developments, further monitoring of the National Assembly’s proceedings will be essential.