Yaoundé: African Traditional Medicine Day 2026 is set to highlight the crucial role of traditional medicine in accelerating universal health coverage across the continent. This year's theme, "Reflection on research and development efforts of traditional medicine towards achieving universal health coverage in the African Region," focuses on the potential of traditional medicine to be a key player in achieving health for all Africans. According to African Press Organization, the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre and the WHO Regional Office for Africa hosted a pivotal conversation this year. The discussion explored how evidence, innovation, and community trust can transform traditional medicine from mere research into a practical component of health care delivery. The event commemorates a resolution adopted in 2000 by the WHO Regional Committee for Africa, which acknowledges the importance of traditional medicine in delivering accessible and affordable health care, particularly in rural communities where t raditional practitioners are often the primary health care providers. Key figures in the discussion included Professor Martins Emeje, Director-General of the Nigeria Natural Medicine Development Agency; and Chief Temitayo Faruq Erogbogbo, Baaloro of Ikorodu Kingdom. The session, moderated by Kenyan researcher and entrepreneur Fionah Njeri, emphasized that traditional medicine is a dynamic and evolving system capable of reinforcing primary health care. Speakers underlined the necessity of research, regulation, and investment to integrate traditional medicine into the broader health care framework. Chief Temitayo Faruq Erogbogbo highlighted the foundational role of trust in traditional health care, noting that traditional health practitioners often serve as the initial point of contact for health services in many communities. These practitioners, from birth attendants to community healers, possess cultural legitimacy that can enhance biomedical services and health outcomes. The conversation underscored Afric a's wealth of health knowledge and biodiversity resources. To unlock this potential, stronger collaboration among researchers, policymakers, entrepreneurs, communities, and traditional health practitioners is essential, along with increased domestic investment in research and development. Speakers also stressed the critical need for documenting traditional knowledge to preserve Africa's health heritage for future generations. WHO's Global Traditional Medicine Strategy 2025-2034 supports these efforts, identifying research, regulation, integration, and collaboration as priorities for advancing traditional medicine. Traditional medicine, used by millions worldwide, is increasingly recognized as a valuable partner to biomedicine, supporting prevention, self-care, and primary health care. As countries across Africa celebrate African Traditional Medicine Day, various activities are planned to mark the occasion. In Cameroon, the Minister of Public Health has decentralized the commemoration across regions. Madagas car and Mozambique will also hold activities, while South Africa will host a national commemoration featuring the Minister of Health. Zimbabwe's event in Marondera will include participation from Dr. Auxilia Mnangagwa, the First Lady of Zimbabwe. The message from these celebrations is clear: investing in evidence, empowering traditional health practitioners, and utilizing Africa's rich knowledge and biodiversity are vital steps in expanding access to quality health care across the continent.