TRUMP'S WAKEUP CALL: CAN’T AFRICA FUND HER OWN RESEARCH?

Photo by Macodongo

Africa boasts a rich heritage of traditional medicine, with plant remedies playing a crucial role in healthcare for centuries. Many communities still rely on herbal medicine as their primary form of treatment. However, the need for scientific validation and modernization of these practices has never been keenly and deeply invested in. Biomedical scientists and other research scientists are at the forefront of bridging the gap between traditional medicine and modern scientific methodologies, ensuring that Africa’s natural remedies meet global healthcare standards. USAID have for years provided funding for research in healthcare and with such funds now largely inaccessible, many are worried about what next, but, can’t Africa fund her own?

The Legacy and Potential of Africa’s natural resources

Being a continent with vast resources and brains, Africa ought to stop the dependency syndrome and work on bettering herself. Scientists must step up to advance research, ensuring sustainability and self-sufficiency in the continent’s healthcare sector. Heads of states must invest energy and funds in funding research and development rather than on purchasing weapons to fight fellow African!

Africa is home to numerous medicinal plants with proven therapeutic properties. Remedies derived from Artemisia annua (used in malaria treatment) yet we cannot produce malaria drugs, Prunus africana (used for prostate health), and the African pepper tree and many other have garnered global recognition. Despite their effectiveness, many of these treatments remain underutilized due to a lack of scientific validation, standardization, and regulatory frameworks. If properly harnessed, Africa’s traditional medicine sector could contribute significantly to both economic growth and healthcare improvements.

The withdrawal of USAID on research creates a gap that underscores the urgency for Africa to invest in self-sustaining research systems, ensuring that biomedical scientists have the necessary resources to explore the full potential of traditional medicine which is of course is the backbone of drug discovery.

Traditional healers should be integrated into formal healthcare research systems to contribute their extensive knowledge of medicinal plants and programs where scientists and traditional practitioners collaborate to refine herbal formulations established. Additionally, a continental body for herbal medicine regulation should be formed to ensure that locally produced drugs meet global standards and strong regulatory guide put in place.

Should USAID withdrawal on health and research make African leaders worried or awaken? 

References

Ikhoyameh, Martin, et al. “Integrating Traditional Medicine into the African Healthcare System Post-Traditional Medicine Global Summit: Challenges and Recommendations.” The Pan African Medical Journal, vol. 47, no. 146, 27 Mar. 2024,

Venkataraman, Arvind. “India’s Sacred Tree Neem Is World’s Greatest Sanitiser - Center for Soft Power.” Center for Soft Power, 20 Oct. 2020,