25 September 2025
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Story André Damons
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Photo André Damons
Prof Motlalepula Matsabisa, Head of the African Medicines Innovations and Technologies Development Platform at the University of the Free State has been appointed to the World Health Organization Strategic and Technical Advisory Group (the “AG”) on Traditional, Complementary and Integrative Medicine.
The traditional medicine expert has also been appointed as a visiting professor of Pharmacology to the Busitema University in Uganda – a position that came about after he assisted the university in developing a curriculum for their postgraduate degree course. In both these roles, Prof Matsabisa hopes to contribute his expertise and knowledge to spotlight traditional medicine.
A great responsibility
“I always feel honoured and good about the WHO appointments. To me, it shows how my work and experience is valued by the WHO. It is also a testament to how I engage with global matters on health, policy, intellectual property, traditional medicines and keeping up with global discussions and developments on the topics of health, traditional medicines and integrative medicine and One Health amongst other things.
“This is exceptionally good for me and gives me much responsibility to assist this UN global organisation. I shall do my best to give my expertise to the WHO for the benefit of all who are on this One environment (Environmental health), One Health and One planet (Planetary health),” says Prof Matsabisa.
According to him, it is a great responsibility to give technical and strategic advice that could influence global health. It requires deep thought and understanding of geopolitics and how to play with all the different global specialised interests as well as managing these interests to come up with policies and recommendations acceptable in general to all within the WHO regions. At Busitema University, says Prof Matsabisa, he will do his best to fulfil his academic duties and ensuring the university gets the exchange of students, technical and research staff.
The Advisory Group is convened by WHO to provide technical, scientific and strategic advice to WHO on traditional, complementary and integrative medicine. It will also provide technical support to WHO in setting norms and standards for traditional, complementary and integrative medicine to ensure its proper use; provide scientific support to WHO in shaping research agenda for traditional, complementary and integrative medicine; and assist WHO in articulating policy options for traditional, complementary and integrative medicine for countries.
It is composed of a group of 15 external experts acting in a personal capacity and who will serve in their personal capacities to represent the broad range of disciplines relevant to traditional, complementary and integrative medicine.
A visiting professor
Prof Matsabisa says it is a great feeling to be given this global opportunity to give strategic and technical advice to the WHO regions as well as assist the WHO in the implementation and advocacy of their strategies.
“I feel much valued by colleagues to be appointed as a visiting professor of Pharmacology at this internationally recognised university. This honour came as a surprise which I did not hesitate to accept. I feel that my academic activities and achievements are noticed and valued. I will be teaching pharmacology to postgraduate students and stimulating research at Busitema University.
“I believe in people development and also the continent’s development. As part of this appointment, Busitema University asked me to be their ambassador for their internationalisation publicity. This is great indeed, but while I am busy with this role, I will also speak about my programme and my university, the UFS,” says Prof Matsabisa.
He continues, “If I can help the university to be recognised around the world for pharmacology and traditional medicine research, it will mean I succeeded in this appointment. I hope to teach and train students and see their retention in the sciences and research – especially female students. I would also like to graduate new postgraduate students, especially at doctoral level so that they become role models in the field of pharmacology. I would also like to strengthen the research partnership between Busitema and University of the Free State.”
Previous WHO appointments
Prof Matsabisa is no stranger to WHO appointments and was previously also appointed to serve on the WHO Global Centre for Traditional Medicine Editorial Board/Evidence Task Force. During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Prof Matsabisa led Africa’s fight against the COVID-19 pandemic with his appointment as chairperson of the WHO Regional Expert Advisory Committee on Traditional Medicines for COVID-19. He was a WHO AFRO expert: WHO 1st Global Traditional Medicine Summit External Advisory Group/ alongside the G20 Health Ministerial Meeting and currently also the co-chair of the WHO 2nd Global Traditional Medicines Summit Steering Committee.
“I aim to contribute and give my best to the mission and vision of WHO and to fight for the inclusivity of traditional medicines with evidence to global health systems and its contribution to Universal Health. I will also aim to drive the implementation of the WHO strategies particularly its new traditional medicine strategy 2025-2034.”
Integrating African Traditional Medicine into health systems
Prof Matsabisa and his colleagues; Drs Innocensia Mangoato (UFS), Jacqueline Manjia Njika (UFS/University of Yaoundé I, Cameroon) and Prof Mmamosheledi Mathibe (Rhodes University), as part of driving his role and participation in WHO global activities, recently held a strategic meeting with
Shanaaz El-Halabi, the WHO South Africa country representative and her team at the WHO offices in Pretoria. The discussions focused on collaboration to integrate African Traditional Medicine into health systems, strengthen its global visibility, and develop strategies that inform policy and investment. This partnership underscores South Africa’s leadership in showcasing African Traditional Medicine as a vital part of the journey toward Universal Health coverage.