By Hassan Zaggi
His Imperial Majesty, Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, has formally launched the Pan African Foundation for Traditional Medical Research and Development (PAFIMERD).
He disclosed this at media briefing in Lagos, Monday, on the occasion of the Africa Traditional Medicine day.
August 31, has been set aside by the World Health Organisation (WHO) to celebrate Africa traditional medicine every year.
The Royal father, however, announced that one of his product- Virasol herbal medicine is one of the over 40 herbal medicines submitted to NAFDAC for registration as immune booster against COVID-19 disease.
“I am very glad the herbal remedy has passed NAFDAC laboratory tests and the registration number will be out this week.
“The Virsol immune boosting herbal medicine is one of the series of herbal remedies developed under the aegis of my new initiative, Pan African Foundation for Indigenous Medical Research and Development (PAFIMERD) for which I am launching today to the glory of Almighty God.”
The Foundation, he explained, is formed to create a formidable and virile organisation and platform for the promotion and growth of African Traditional Medicine (ATM).
Other objectives of the Foundation, the Royal Father said, are “to conduct and support research and development of African Medicine especially herbal medicines.
“To mobilise and create an African-wide intervention fund for research and development of ATM.
“To initiate and support policies, laws and regulations for the growth of ATM.
“To undertake any other activity geared towards promoting the growth of ATM.
“To serve as a rallying point and clearing house for all private initiatives and Researches in ATM.”
He revealed that his Foundation, PAFIMERD, is in the process of signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with National Institute for Pharmaceuticals Research and Development (NIPRD).
The Ooni of Ife, however, appealed to the Federal and state governments, the National and Assemblies to rise up to the new challenge by providing the needed funding, legislative and policy support to jump start ATM.
“The current economic downturn occasioned by COVID-19 pandemic compels us to seek effective diversification of the economy.
“The time to do it is now. I am therefore recommending to the National and State Assemblies nation-wide to appropriate money for research and development of ATM in the 2021 Budget.
“I also enjoin the Central Bank of Nigeria and Bank of Industry to set aside special grants for the development of ATM.”
