African medicine, encompassing both traditional practices and the formal healthcare system, is integral to service delivery. In Togo, this dual system presents distinct challenges and opportunities for maternal and reproductive health outcomes within obstetrics and gynaecology. This report aimed to identify and analyse the predominant issues affecting the integration, practice, and perception of African medicine within Togo's healthcare landscape, focusing on implications for women's health. A mixed-methods approach was employed, involving a structured review of policy and programme documents alongside thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders, including traditional practitioners, biomedical healthcare workers, and patients. Analysis identified informal collaboration coexisting with systemic barriers to integration. A key finding was the reported use of traditional medicine as a first point of care for certain gynaecological conditions by a majority of the population in the studied regions, prior to or alongside biomedical services. Communication gaps and a lack of formal referral pathways were consistently highlighted. African medicine in Togo, particularly concerning women's health, operates in a parallel yet interconnected manner with the formal health system. The prevalent use of traditional care underscores its perceived value but also indicates unresolved challenges in achieving coordinated and effective integrated care. Develop frameworks for structured dialogue and training between traditional and biomedical practitioners. Establish pilot programmes for documented referral mechanisms in community settings. Include modules on traditional medicine awareness in medical and nursing curricula. Traditional medicine, healthcare integration, maternal health, Togo, health systems, reproductive health This report provides an empirical analysis of a critical interface in African healthcare, offering evidence to inform policy discussions on integration for women's health.
Adzogble et al. (2002) studied this question.