Ossy Kasilo

Biography and Expertise of Ossy Kasilo

Dr. Ossy Kasilo is a central figure in the advancement of public health in Africa, dedicating her extensive career to the scientific integration of traditional medicine into national healthcare systems. As the Regional Advisor for TCIM at WHO AFRO, she provides strategic guidance to 47 Member States, fostering regulatory harmonization and enhancing local research capacity. Consequently, her leadership directly embodies the spirit of South-South collaboration, a cornerstone of the 3rd WCTCIM, by building sustainable health solutions rooted in African knowledge diversity.

Her work aligns seamlessly with the congress’s core themes. It is a direct reflection of “Thematic Axis 2.2: Integration of TCIM into Health Systems,” as she has been instrumental in developing policies that bring traditional practices into primary care and public health programs. Furthermore, Dr. Kasilo’s unwavering commitment to scientific validation, particularly evidenced by her leadership in developing clinical trial protocols for traditional medicines during the COVID-19 pandemic, addresses “Thematic Axis 2.3: Contributions of TCIM to Global Public Health (Evidence-Based).”

Beyond that, Dr. Kasilo’s efforts are foundational to the practical application of the Gujarat Declaration’s principles, championing evidence, sustainability, and quality. As a co-author of key implementation reports for the WHO Traditional Medicine Strategy, her insights will be invaluable for shaping the next decade of global TCIM policy, making her a critical contributor to the discussions at this landmark congress.

Professional Career

Dr. Ossy Kasilo‘s professional trajectory is a testament to her lifelong dedication to pharmacology, public health, and health systems strengthening in Africa. Her journey began in academia, where she built a strong foundation in research and education, and evolved into a distinguished career at the highest levels of global health policy at the World Health Organization. This unique blend of experience allows her to navigate the complexities of both scientific research and international health diplomacy with exceptional skill.

Her career is marked by a series of influential roles that have progressively increased her impact on the continent’s health landscape. Each position has built upon the last, culminating in her current role where she shapes the future of traditional medicine in Africa.

• Regional Advisor for Traditional, Complementary, and Integrative Medicine (TCIM), WHO Regional Office for Africa (AFRO)
• Team Leader for Health Technologies and Innovation, WHO AFRO (2012 – 2016)
• Medicines Regulatory Officer, WHO Headquarters, Geneva
• Full Professor, University of Zimbabwe
• Director, Zimbabwe National Drugs and Toxicology Information Service
• Pharmaceutical Officer, Ministry of Health, Tanzania

Academic Qualifications

The expertise of Dr. Ossy Kasilo is rooted in an outstanding academic foundation in pharmacology and toxicology. Her rigorous training provided her with the critical skills to evaluate the safety, efficacy, and quality of both conventional pharmaceuticals and traditional herbal medicines. This comprehensive educational background has been the cornerstone of her evidence-based approach to integrating TCIM into mainstream healthcare.

Her qualifications from respected institutions in Africa and Europe reflect a global perspective on clinical science, which she has expertly applied to the specific health challenges and opportunities within the African region. Moreover, her ongoing connection to academia ensures her work remains at the cutting edge of scientific knowledge.

• PhD in Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology
• Master of Science (MSc) in Clinical Pharmacology, Italy
• Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD), University of Zimbabwe (1985)
• Adjunct Professor, National Centre for Naturopathic Medicine, Southern Cross University, Australia

Research and Publications

Dr. Ossy Kasilo is a prolific researcher and author whose work has significantly contributed to the body of knowledge on traditional medicine in Africa. Her research focuses on practical, systems-level challenges, including policy development, regulatory science, and the clinical evaluation of herbal therapeutics for high-burden diseases such as HIV/AIDS, malaria, diabetes, and most recently, COVID-19. Her publications provide a critical evidence base for policymakers seeking to integrate TCIM safely and effectively.

A key theme throughout her work is the pursuit of universal health coverage by leveraging local health resources, including traditional medicine. Her 2019 article in BMJ Global Health, “Towards universal health coverage: advancing the development and use of traditional medicines in Africa,” is a seminal piece that outlines a strategic vision for the continent. During the pandemic, her insights were captured in publications like “Experiences and challenges of African traditional medicine: Lessons from COVID-19 pandemic,” guiding the global response. Dr. Kasilo’s research consistently bridges the gap between ancient knowledge and modern scientific standards.

Leadership Roles and Recognitions

While Dr. Ossy Kasilo‘s career is decorated with numerous accomplishments, her most significant recognitions come in the form of appointments to critical leadership and advisory roles. These positions reflect the deep trust and respect she has earned from the international health community. Therefore, her leadership in high-stakes initiatives serves as a powerful endorsement of her expertise and integrity.

These roles have placed her at the center of pivotal moments in global health, where she has guided complex scientific and ethical discussions. Her ability to build consensus and drive evidence-based decision-making has been instrumental in advancing the TCIM agenda on both continental and global stages. These appointments are a clear acknowledgment of her status as a leading authority in her field.

• Chairperson, WHO Regional Expert Advisory Committee on Traditional Medicine for COVID-19 Response
• Co-author and Contributor, WHO Traditional Medicine Strategy and its implementation reports
• Board Member, Traditional, Complementary, and Integrative Healthcare Coalition, Geneva

Board and Committee Activities

Dr. Ossy Kasilo actively contributes her expertise to numerous boards and committees, shaping the global dialogue on health policy and traditional medicine. Her participation in these strategic groups ensures that African perspectives are well-represented in international forums. Consequently, this work is vital for creating inclusive policies that acknowledge the diversity of global health systems.

Through these activities, she collaborates with other global leaders to tackle complex challenges, from establishing clinical trial standards to advocating for greater integration of TCIM in healthcare. Her committee work is a crucial extension of her role at the World Health Organization (WHO), amplifying her impact and fostering synergistic partnerships across different organizations and sectors.

• WHO Regional Expert Advisory Committee on Traditional Medicine for COVID-19 Response: As chair of this committee, launched in 2020, Dr. Kasilo led the vital work of developing robust research protocols and technical documents to oversee the clinical evaluation of traditional medicine-based therapeutics for the pandemic.
• Traditional, Complementary, and Integrative Healthcare Coalition: As a board member of this Geneva-based coalition, she helps guide advocacy and policy development to promote the integration of TCIM into global health systems.

Connect with Dr. Kasilo

Explore the extensive work and professional contributions of Dr. Ossy Kasilo through the following platforms. Her research publications and academic affiliations provide deeper insight into her impactful career in advancing traditional medicine and public health across Africa.

ResearchGate Profile: View Publications and Research Network

Southern Cross University Profile: View Academic Profile

Key Publication on UHC in BMJ Global Health: Read “Towards universal health coverage”