Short Abstract

This panel explores the integration of African healing knowledge, indigenous practices, and community based care with contemporary health systems. It examines policy, innovation, equity and plural health approaches to promote inclusive, culturally responsive, and sustainable healthcare across Africa

Long Abstract

Across Africa, indigenous healing knowledge play a critical role in healthcare despite the dominance of biomedical models. Traditional medicine, herbal therapies are also way prevent illness, seek treatment, and promote well-being. Yet these knowledge systems are often marginalised in health policy, research, and professional practice. This panel examines how African healing knowledge can contribute to more inclusive, equitable, and resilient health systems while advancing debates on decolonising health knowledge and recognising multiple medical epistemologies. The panel invite interdisciplinary contributions that critically engage with African healing traditions, medical pluralism, indigenous health knowledge, ethno medicine, mental health, maternal and child health, public health, health policy, and community-based healthcare. Papers may also explore the documentation and safeguarding of indigenous medical knowledge, digital technologies and innovation, intellectual property and ethics, gender and healing, climate change and health resilience, pandemic preparedness, and the integration of traditional medicine into national health systems. The panel welcomes theoretical, empirical, historical, and comparative studies from across Africa and the African diaspora. Fostering dialogue among scholars and practitioners from the humanities, social sciences, medicine, public health, and related fields, the panel aims to generate new perspectives on how African healing knowledge can inform sustainable healthcare policies and contribute to more culturally responsive and people-centred health systems.

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