Lakassa Essossiminam

Biography and Expertise of Lakassa Essossiminam

Lakassa Essossiminam has dedicated over two decades to advancing African traditional medicine, evolving from a national advocate in Togo to a preeminent figure shaping health policy across West Africa and globally. His career is a testament to the power of persistent, strategic leadership in bridging the gap between ancestral knowledge and modern healthcare frameworks. His work directly embodies the 3rd WCTCIM’s Thematic Axis, “Integration of TCIM into Health Systems,” as he has been a primary architect of the policies and regulations that facilitate this integration throughout the ECOWAS region.

Mr. Essossiminam’s journey began with foundational efforts in his home country, where he was instrumental in establishing partnerships between traditional healers and the Ministry of Health. This grassroots experience provided him with deep insights into the practical challenges and opportunities of integration. Therefore, his later work at the regional level with the West African Health Organisation (WAHO) has been profoundly informed by this understanding. His leadership promotes the congress motto of “Knowledge Diversity,” championing the rich heritage of African phytotherapy on the world stage.

Recently, his influence has reached the highest levels of global health governance. His appointment to the WHO Global Editorial Experts Committee and the World Technical Committee on Traditional Medicine underscores his status as a leading expert. Furthermore, his role as a representative for ECOWAS at the First World Summit on Traditional Medicine in Gujarat, India, places Lakassa Essossiminam at the forefront of implementing the principles of the Gujarat Declaration, advocating for science, evidence, and sustainability in traditional medicine practices worldwide.

Professional Career

Lakassa Essossiminam‘s career shows steady progression from local to international influence. From the late 1990s, he pioneered traditional medicine formalization in Togo, extending work across West Africa. His career emphasizes building institutional capacity, regulatory frameworks, and advocating for practitioners’ rights.

Each role expanded his capacity for change, from co-founding national associations to advising regional health bodies and contributing to global health strategy. This reflects deep understanding of integrating traditional medicine into public health effectively.

• 2024: WHO Global Editorial/World Technical Committees.
• 2023: ECOWAS Trad. Med. rep. at 1st WHO Summit, India.
• 2020: Togo COVID-19 Response Committee.
• 2018: Coordinator, CAMTAO.
• 2016: WAHO-ECOWAS Trad. Med. experts.
• 2015: Consultant: Trad. Med. drug regulation.
• 2013: M&T Assoc. (Switzerland) Merit Award.
• 2010: Coordinator, WA Trad. Med. Federations.
• 2008: WAHO expert: Trad. Med. Strategic Plan.
• 2002: U.S. Peace Corps (Togo) Trad. Med. expert.
• 1999: Co-founder & SG, ATTT.
• 1998: Partnership: Togo Health Min. & Trad. Med.

Academic Qualifications and Foundational Training

Lakassa Essossiminam is professionally recognized as a Phytotherapist and a dedicated Researcher in African Traditional Medicine. While details of his formal academic degrees are not publicly documented, his profound expertise is unequivocally demonstrated through his extensive and impactful career. His deep knowledge is not merely theoretical but has been forged through decades of hands-on practice, policy development, and high-level international diplomacy.

His career itself serves as a powerful testament to his mastery of the field. Beyond his recognized titles, his work as a trainer of traditional medicine practitioners on critical health issues like malaria, and as a consultant on the complex processes of regulating traditional medicines, highlights a robust and applied understanding of phytotherapy and public health systems. Consequently, his qualifications are best understood through the tangible outcomes of his work and the respected leadership roles he holds.

Policy Development and Knowledge Codification

The research contributions of Lakassa Essossiminam are centered on applied, policy-oriented work rather than conventional academic publishing. His focus has been on the critical tasks of strategic development, regulation, and the official integration of traditional medicine into national and regional health systems. This practical approach to research has produced foundational documents that guide the practice and governance of traditional medicine across West Africa.

A landmark contribution was his participation as a WAHO expert in the development of a monograph for the first edition of the West African pharmacopoeia in 2009. This work was essential for standardizing knowledge and ensuring the quality and safety of traditional herbal medicines. Furthermore, he contributed to the WAHO Strategic Plan for Traditional Medicine 2009–2013, a key document that has guided regional policy for years. His efforts have been instrumental in transforming oral traditions into codified, accessible knowledge for health professionals and policymakers.

In addition, Lakassa Essossiminam has been a key participant in expert meetings focused on integrating the teaching of traditional medicine into West African universities. This work addresses a critical need for structured education and training, ensuring that future generations of healthcare providers are equipped with an understanding of integrative approaches. His career is thus defined by the creation of lasting frameworks that advance the legitimacy and practice of traditional medicine.

Awards and Global Recognitions

The significant contributions of Lakassa Essossiminam to the field of traditional medicine have been formally recognized by both regional and international bodies. These accolades and high-level appointments reflect the profound respect he has garnered within the global health community and validate his role as a pivotal leader and advocate. They underscore a career dedicated to the advancement of traditional knowledge systems on a global scale.

These honors highlight not only his personal achievements but also the growing international acknowledgment of the importance of African traditional medicine. They are a testament to his tireless efforts to build bridges between traditional practice and formal health systems.

• Appointment to WHO World Technical Committee on Traditional Medicine (2024): His nomination to this prestigious committee signifies his status as a leading global expert, contributing to the highest level of strategy and policy at the World Health Organization.
• Appointment to WHO Global Editorial Experts Committee (2024): This role recognizes his expertise in the codification and dissemination of knowledge on traditional medicine.
• Merit Award in Traditional Medicine (2013): Awarded by the M&T (Medicine and Tradition) Association of Switzerland, this honor recognized his outstanding contributions to the field early in his regional leadership career.

Leadership and Institutional Representation

Lakassa Essossiminam holds several key leadership positions that enable him to steer the strategic direction of traditional medicine in Africa and beyond. His active involvement in these organizations demonstrates a deep commitment to fostering collaboration, upholding standards, and advocating for the integration of traditional health practices into mainstream systems. These roles place him at the nexus of policy, practice, and international diplomacy.

Through this work, he provides a crucial voice for thousands of traditional medicine practitioners, ensuring their knowledge and concerns are represented in national and international forums. His leadership is therefore fundamental to building a more inclusive and effective global health landscape.

• Coordinator, Confederation of Traditional Medicine Associations of West Africa (CAMTAO): In this principal role, he represents the federations of all 15 ECOWAS countries, serving as a chief spokesperson and strategist for the region.
• Expert Committee Member, West African Health Organisation (WAHO): Since 2016, he has advised this key regional health body, contributing to the development of policies and strategic plans for traditional medicine.
• National Representative, COVID-19 Response Committee, Togo: His participation highlights the recognized importance of traditional medicine even in acute public health crises.
• Founding Member and Secretary General, Association of Traditional Therapists of Togo (ATTT): His foundational work at the national level created a model for practitioner organization and government collaboration.

Connect with Lakassa Essossiminam

To gain further insight into the work and advocacy of Lakassa Essossiminam, you can consult his official profile from the World Health Organization. This resource was created for his participation in the First WHO Traditional Medicine Global Summit and provides a verified summary of his role and contributions to the field.

Official WHO Speaker Profile: View Profile at WHO Events