By Prince Opoku Dogbey, Accra
Medical experts from China and Ghana have called for the strategic integration of traditional medicine into women’s healthcare, describing it as a critical pillar for prevention, holistic care and long-term wellbeing. The call was made at the 3rd China–Ghana Traditional Medicine Forum held at the Confucius Institute, University of Ghana.
Held under the theme “Empowering Women, Sharing Health: Perspectives and Solutions from China–Ghana Traditional Medicine,” the forum brought together clinicians, researchers, traditional medicine practitioners and policymakers to explore how integrative healthcare approaches can improve women’s health outcomes at various stages of life.
The forum was organised by the 14th China Medical Team to Ghana, in collaboration with the Health Community of West Africa (HCOWA) Association, the West African Traditional Medicine Cooperation and Exchange Centre (WATMCEC), and the HCOWAA Medical & Academic Exchange Committee (H-MAEC).
Opening the event, Dr. Hao Linduan, Associate Chief Physician at Guangdong Medical University, stressed that women’s health must go beyond disease treatment to prioritise prevention, balance and sustained wellbeing.
“Women play irreplaceable roles in families and society. When women are healthy, families are stable and communities thrive. Traditional medicine focuses on restoring balance, preventing illness and addressing root causes rather than just symptoms,” he said.
Dr. Hao noted that Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Ghanaian traditional medicine share similar philosophies, particularly in their use of natural therapies, personalised care and lifestyle regulation, making collaboration between the two systems both practical and necessary.
Representing the Ministry of Health, Dr. Anastasia Yirenkyi, Director of the Traditional and Alternative Medicine Directorate, described traditional medicine as an essential part of Ghana’s healthcare system, especially for women, rural populations and underserved communities.
She revealed that a significant number of Ghanaians rely on traditional medicine as their primary source of healthcare and emphasised the government’s responsibility to ensure safety, quality and effectiveness.
“Our objective is not to replace orthodox medicine but to ensure that traditional medicine is safe, regulated and evidence-based. When properly integrated, it can complement conventional care and expand access to quality healthcare for women,” she explained.
Dr. Yirenkyi added that the Ministry is strengthening practitioner training, product registration and clinical documentation to support responsible integration into the national health system.
In an online presentation, Dr. Ye Qiuli of Guangdong Medical University examined women’s health across the life cycle, from adolescence and childbirth to menopause and ageing.
She explained that TCM emphasises hormone regulation, improved blood circulation and strengthening internal systems—key factors in managing menstrual disorders, postpartum recovery, fertility challenges and age-related conditions.
“Traditional medicine does not treat conditions in isolation. It views women’s health as a continuous journey, allowing for early intervention and sustained wellbeing,” she said, calling for joint research and clinical exchanges between China and Ghana.
Presenting local clinical evidence, Dr. Sandra Ashong, President of the Ghana Association of Medical Herbalists, shared findings from Lekma Hospital, where TCM techniques such as acupuncture, cupping therapy and herbal support have been integrated into patient care.
She reported that women suffering from infertility, chronic pelvic inflammatory disease and menstrual irregularities recorded improved outcomes when traditional therapies were combined with conventional treatment.
“Improving women’s health requires openness and respect for diverse medical systems. Our experience shows that integrative care can reduce pain, speed recovery and improve overall quality of life,” she noted.
Dr. Hao Linduan later delivered a detailed clinical presentation on practical TCM interventions for gynaecological conditions, highlighting the use of personalised herbal prescriptions, moxibustion therapy and external treatments to improve blood flow, reduce inflammation and support reproductive health.
He identified chronic pelvic inflammatory disease as one condition where TCM has shown strong results, particularly in cases where conventional treatment alone has yielded limited success.
On regulation and policy, Dr. Yakubu Tobor Yusuf, Registrar of the Traditional Medicine Practice Council (TMPC), announced reforms aimed at strengthening oversight of traditional medicine practice in Ghana.
“We are introducing mandatory Good Manufacturing Practices for all traditional medicine products and developing comprehensive standards for practitioners. A new legislative bill is also being prepared to support enforcement,” he disclosed.
Participants agreed that the future of women’s healthcare lies in structured collaboration, scientific validation and mutual respect between traditional and orthodox medical systems.
The forum ended with networking sessions and a renewed commitment to advancing integrative, patient-centred healthcare to improve women’s health outcomes in Ghana and across West Africa.
The 14th China Medical Team to Ghana continues to symbolise sustained Sino-Ghanaian health cooperation, while HCOWA and its partners remain committed to promoting medical dialogue, research and collaborative healthcare solutions across the region.
