High Costs Of Medication Drive Nigerians To Traditional Medicine

The soaring costs of medical care in Nigeria are pushing many residents to seek more affordable treatment from traditional Agbo sellers.

Agbo, a herbal mixture made from roots, herbs and other natural ingredients, has been used for centuries to treat various health conditions. With prescribed medications becoming prohibitively expensive, Agbo is increasingly seen as a cheaper alternative.

According to Global History Dialogues, Agbo served as a primary source of medicine before the advent of modern pharmaceuticals and continues to be used by a significant portion of the population, regardless of education level.

Despite several reports about the dangers of herbal concoctions, some people argue that orthodox medicines are simply scientifically improved versions of Agbo.

A pharmacist, who gave his name as Victor, told THE WHISTLER that the prices of essential drugs, such as antibiotics, analgesics, inhalers, and anti-diabetic medications, have increased significantly, with some prices rising by as much as 400% to 500%. He cited Augmentin, a commonly used antibiotic, whose price has increased from N3,500 to over N30,000.

THE WHISTLER interviewed Nigerians grappling with rising medical costs and Agbo sellers who are experiencing a surge in demand for their products. The traditional healers offer herbal concoctions believed to address various ailments, ranging from malaria to body pain, fever, and infections.

Our interviews with working-class Nigerians highlight current financial barriers to conventional healthcare. Kaseem Wale, a 45-year-old keke driver, said that with his limited income, medications like antibiotics and antihypertensives are now unaffordable.

“Due to financial constraints, many people are forced to choose Agbo over conventional medicine,” Wale said. “Agbo has been used in my family for generations, and it is affordable for treating common ailments.”

When asked about safety concerns regarding herbs, Wale said, “It doesn’t bother me because I know they are natural herbs, and some are soaked in water or alcohol.”

Olamide, another interviewee, echoed similar sentiments, highlighting Agbo’s effectiveness and historical significance.

He stated his preference for Agbo despite being able to afford proper medication and dismissed concerns about potential health risks.

“I started taking Agbo as a child, and it’s effective,” Olamide said. “When I’m sick, if I can’t make it myself, I buy from the sellers. Agbo has been used for centuries and is trusted by many. As a Yoruba man, you can’t tell me it’s bad because it has existed long before Western medicine. Our ancestors relied on Agbo before modern medicine, and during the war, it was what many people used to survive.”

“Even though I can afford to buy proper medication, I still prefer Agbo. Some mixtures can treat typhoid and malaria, and there are others for body pain and other health issues. Some Agbo can even address erectile dysfunction and cure infections. I can honestly say that I have never had any problems with my liver, kidneys, or stomach. They just try to scare people into thinking Agbo is harmful.”

A middle-aged banana seller, who introduced herself as Fumilayo, also expressed her preference for Agbo due to its affordability and effectiveness compared to conventional medicine.

“Money is scarce, and you wouldn’t believe how expensive medication is,” Fumilayo said. “The little profit I make from selling bananas barely sustains my children. Everything in Nigeria is expensive, and I can’t afford to go to the chemist or hospital. Even feeding is a struggle. God help us in this country.”

Wumi, an Agbo seller, noted a significant increase in demand for her products due to economic hardship, with both educated and uneducated individuals seeking her products.

“Since I started selling Agbo last year, my savings have more than doubled,” Wumi said. “I get new customers every day. These days, many people buy Agbo because medication is expensive. Even educated people drink Agbo. My customer base has more than doubled.”

“They are made from various natural ingredients, including roots and herbs,” Wumi explained when asked about the ingredients used in the concoctions. “Some are soaked in water, while others are soaked in ogogoro (Ethanol) ethanol.”