He said this while he was meeting a team of scientists from the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, the World Health Organization (WHO) and herbalists at State House, Entebbe.
President Yoweri Museveni has urged medical doctors to work closely with innovators in herbal medicine to identify the important elements which cure given illnesses. He urged doctors to help the herbalists to modernize and standardize the formulae for mainstream use.
Museveni meets scientists and herbalists
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“Once trials are done and the herb is considered to be good then let it be captured and put on record thus earning intellectual property protection. Thereafter, let it be used here and internationally,” he noted.
He added, “I know herbal medicine. Some of them are incomparable. I was treated with local medicine up to eight years old but I am now 77 years old. There is a plant called “Ekimara”. Since time immemorial, the Banyankole use it to treat tape worms among others. The African people kept this knowledge a secret within their families,” he said.
Museveni also asked the scientists to incorporate their research findings into the education curriculum so that students can also benefit from their research.
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The Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Hon. Dr.Monica Musenero, who was in presence thanked the President for his efforts in developing a science-led economy, and supporting the development of indigenous herbal medicines.
She also briefed the president on the 12-Step Natural Therapeutic Value Chain including; Forests and gardens, herbal institutions, research scientists, clinical trials, registration of intellectual property, among others.
The minister vowed to adhere to the president’s guidance.
