Our Medicine, Our Heritage: A Systematic Review of Traditional and Alternative Medicine Integration in Tanzania’s Health Policy Landscape

Background: Traditional and alternative medicine (TAM) remains a cornerstone of health care in Tanzania, particularly in rural and underserved communities. Despite its cultural significance and widespread use, TAM occupies a largely underregulated space within the national health system. This review critically examines the historical evolution, policy frameworks, and institutional roles shaping TAM’s integration in Tanzania. Methods: A systematic literature review was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 statement and Joanna Briggs Institute protocols. Searches were undertaken in PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar, and supplemented by gray literature from government and international organizations. Studies published between January 2010 and May 2025 were included, alongside selected pre-2010 sources providing essential historical or legislative context. Data were extracted and synthesized thematically to evaluate policy development, regulatory mechanisms, and institutional mandates. The PR