A Scoping Review Protocol of the barriers and enablers to integrating traditional medicine into national health systems: Lessons for WHO African region.

Abstract

Introduction Traditional medicine (TM) plays a significant role in health care delivery across low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). TM is a valuable health resource but underappreciated. It is often more accessible and culturally aligned with biomedical services, particularly in rural and underserved communities and regions. Integrating TM into healthcare at primary levels and contributing to national health systems can enhance access, improve equity, reduce healthcare costs, preserve invaluable indigenous knowledge systems, and support universal health coverage (UHC). The WHO traditional medicine strategy 2014–2023 represents a response to support and enhance the role of TM in national healthcare delivery. This review will synthesize evidence on the facilitators and barriers to integrating TM into national health systems and identify key lessons applicable to the WHO African region. Methods and Analysis The scoping review methodology by the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) of a five-stage review process will be used: (1) determining the research question, (2) search strategy, (3) inclusion criteria, (4) data extraction, and (5) analysis and presentation of the results. A peer-reviewed literature review of studies published in English between 2001 and 2026 will be conducted using electronic databases: PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, and African Journals Online, following the PRISMA guidelines strictly. Data will be extracted and analyzed using thematic synthesis, guided by the World Health Organization (WHO) health systems framework of service delivery, health workforce, health information systems, health financing, leadership and governance, and equitable access to Essential Medical Products, Vaccines, and Technologies. A two-stage screening process involving two reviewers will be used to determine article eligibility, and any disagreements will be resolved by consensus. A comprehensive mapping of evidence-based integration strategies for TM into national health systems and for their relevance to health system strengthening in the African Region is key, and this study intends to fulfil this. Ethics and dissemination Ethical approval is not required. Findings will be disseminated through publication in a peer-reviewed journal, policy briefs and conference proceedings. Registration details This protocol was registered prospectively with the institutional repository at Figshare https//doi.org/10.25406/wsu.32577945.v1