Lead scientist from the Ministry of Health in Ethiopia, Professor Milkyas Endale, has revealed that linking indigenous knowledge on biodiversity with modern science and integrating traditional medicines is the best way to move Africa forward.
According to the researchers, the Centre for Plant Medicine Research in Ghana is one of the best models selected by the World Health Organisation. They noted that the centre can lead research and development, product development, and capacity building in harnessing and improving medicinal research in Africa through necessary collaboration.
In an exclusive interview with Citi News on Monday, August 18, on the sidelines of a capacity-building workshop for the Armauer Hansen Research Institute in Ethiopia, Professor Milkyas Endale stated that the Ethiopian Ministry of Health is seeking to benchmark and replicate the Centre for Plant Medicine Research in Eastern Africa with the same scope.
“This is a very good model for African institutions to become a stronger and united Africa. This is one of the strong missions that should be supported by the African government,” he added.
On his part, the Head of Research and Innovation at the Centre for Plant Medicine Research in Mampong, Dr. Kofi Donkor, who took the Ethiopian team through laboratory management, herbal medicinal products, and advanced instrumental analysis, welcomed the proposal from the Ethiopian Ministry of Health.
He confirmed that discussions are underway to sign a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at moving Africa forward through collaboration in traditional medicine research.
” The MOU will spell out the modalities for our engagement and interactions with them. It is a very important piece of the document, and we will work hard at it and make sure we have it signed, and then we can start collaborating.”
