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WHO To Assist Nigeria, Others To Develop Traditional Medicine For COVID-19

Oluwasina Phillip

The World Health Organisation has expressed optimism over emergence of traditional medicines from Nigeria, Cameroon, Uganda among others for the treatment of coronavirus.

WHO Regional Director for Africa, Matshidiso Moeti disclosed this in commemoration of 2021 African Traditional Medicine Day’.

MoetI stated that traditional medicine therapies are emerging as part of the COVID-19 response, adding that the pandemic has improved awareness of the value of traditional medicine.

She said, “In Cameroon for example, the Ministry of Health has approved two products as complementary therapies for COVID-19. Madagascar’s herbal remedy, COVID-Organics Plus Curative, is in phase III trials and encouraging preliminary results have been reported.

“We look forward to the final results of this trial, and of trials underway for different products in 12 other African countries, including the Democratic Republic of Congo, Nigeria, Uganda and South Africa.”

She explained that investing more in research and development will contribute to harnessing homegrown solutions to improve well-being on the continent, and in other parts of the world.

She also noted that major pharmaceutical companies are now looking to Africa for new active ingredients.

“For generations, the vast majority of people across the continent have relied on traditional medicine as the main source of their health care needs, as it is trusted, acceptable, affordable and accessible.

“With the right partnerships and investments, tried-and-tested African traditional medicines could find a broad global market.

“WHO and other multilateral organizations are playing key roles in supporting capacity development in the traditional medicine sector, including the development of local manufacturing,” she said.

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