Ghana must develop its own malaria herbal medicine - AMMREN

The Board Chairperson of African Media and Malaria Research Network, AMMREN, Mrs. Ellen Sam, says the country needs to develop her own herbal malaria medicine.

This is because the most effective malaria treatment medicines accepted by W.H.O, which are Artemisinin-based are herbal medications. Mrs. Sam also a pharmacist at the Police Hospital in Accra expressed concern, that if a resistance is developed for the current anti malaria medication, the country will be doomed. 

She expressed the concern when members of AMMREN visited the Centre for Scientific Research into Plant Medicine at Akuapem Mampong in the Eastern Region. The Centre was set up in 1976. It produces its own herbal medicines and runs an out-Patient Clinic which treats more that 18 thousand patients annually. The centre faces many challenges ranging from staffing, equipment and funding for research. 

Considering the contribution of the Centre to healthcare delivery,AMMREN paid a working visit there for members to acquint themselves with on-going research being undertaken. The Board Chairperson of AMMREn, Mrs. Ellen Sam noted that the country needs to develop her own herbal malaria medications in order not to be found wating should the current drugs develop resistance. 

Members of AMMREN expressed worry as to why the NIBIMA Syrup, which treats 80 percent of malaria in three day is not in tablet form. Lack of equipment was the issue. The Executive Director of the Centre, Professor Augustine Ocloo not that developing herbal medicine locally will help reduce the huge foreign exchange spent in importing malaria drugs.

He said the only way universal health coverage can be achieved will be the inclusion of herbal medicine in health delivery. Professor Qcloo expressed worry about misinformation by drug pedders that their drugs are accepted by the Centre for Scientific Research into Plant Medicine.

He said the centre only undertakes toxicology test of the drugs and not their efficacy.  This is because the Food and Drugs Authority is the only body that certifies drugs in the counrty.

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