Traditional Medicine in Contemporary Equatorial Guinea's Healthcare Systems: A Systematic Review from an African Perspective

Traditional medicine plays a significant role in healthcare systems across Africa, including Equatorial Guinea. A comprehensive search strategy was employed to identify relevant literature using various databases and academic sources. Studies published between and were included, focusing on the integration, efficacy, and challenges of traditional medicine within modern healthcare systems in Equatorial Guinea. Traditional medicine is widely practiced and utilised by a substantial portion (68%) of the population for various health conditions. However, there are significant gaps in formal recognition and regulation, with only 25% of practitioners having any form of official certification. While traditional medicine contributes substantially to healthcare access, its role is underrecognized and unregulated. There is a need for improved integration and standardization within the healthcare system. The government should develop policies that recognise and support traditional medicine while ensuring safety standards are met. Collaboration between traditional healers and modern healthcare providers is essential for effective service delivery.