Jigjiga – A new research initiative was launched in the city of Jigjiga in the Somali Regional State of Ethiopia on the 6th May 2025. The study aims to enhance the use of traditional medicine by integrating it with modern scientific research. The launch event was attended by officials from Ethiopia’s Ministry of Health, the Somali Regional State Health Office, and representatives from various universities in Jigjiga and Qabridahar.

This research, which bridges traditional practices and modern science, focuses on the scientific study and documentation of medicinal plants used for treating various illnesses within the community. The objective is to gather preliminary data on local traditions and the different plants employed in traditional healing methods.

Mohamed Ayanle, Deputy Minister of the Somali Regional Health Office, stated that the research marks an important step in the regional government’s efforts to utilize traditional medicine through evidence-based scientific methods.

“Our region is rich in diverse plant species that have historically been used for treating our people. To transform this into a scientific approach, all traditional medicines will be studied to identify which are effective and which are not, using a research-based framework,” said the Deputy Minister.

The research is expected to generate valuable new information about the use of traditional medicine, taking into account its impact on public health and exploring how to enhance the application of beneficial traditional remedies.

The overall goal of the study is to strengthen the regional government’s efforts to incorporate traditional medicine into healthcare strategies, through modern scientific research that evaluates the efficacy and quality of these treatments.

The initiative also represents a major opportunity to collect fresh data on local medicinal practices, which is crucial for shaping future health policies.