By Doris Obinna
Nigeria Natural Medicine Development Agency (NNMDA), has developed four herbal products; Namdune, Namdasan, Aberecin and Nanobere for the management of anti-ageing, sickle cell, diabetes and tract infections, recpectively.
Unveiling the products in Lagos, Minister of Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, affirmed government’s readiness to invest in natural medicine. He said the herbal products would serve as substitutes for foreign drugs amid the rising cost of drugs in the country.
He added: “The agency has other products that treat arthritis and hypertension. The drugs are foreign substitutes. You have one for diabetes, you have the one for aging, you have the one for sickle cell, and then the one for upper respiratory tract infection that will replace Augmentin.
“It is a feat that is very crucial for development and the Federal Government planned to create an innovation fund for research and development to support research institutions.”
Director General, NNMDA, Prof. Martins Emeje, said: “Nigeria is in an era where the world is increasingly turning towards sustainable and holistic healthcare solutions and therefore should stop depending solely on imported drugs for their healthcare needs.
“Nigeria could develop herbal medicines to cure many diseases that appear incurable through orthodox medicines. We can do it. Nobody should make it look like it’s a big deal to do these things.
“The four products unveiled, we started looking at the possibilities four months ago. We should value local drug manufacturing and stop being dependent on foreign drugs. We should value research.
“And by the end of 2024, the agency will unveil 11 more locally drugs for various infections. This will create over two million jobs.”
He urged the private sector to provide resources for research and development: “Studies show that the herbal industry alone will be worth $5trillion by 2050.
“No fewer than 25 million people in Nigeria suffer from sickle cell disease, hence the need for the formulation of the drug.
“The diabetes drug was made from Abere seed (Hunteria umbellate). Nigeria has the highest biodiversity in Africa and therefore has a lot to contribute to the herbal medicine industry.
“In NNMDA, we are dedicated to fostering collaboration and innovation in our pursuit of advancing natural medicine.”