Nelson Mandela researchers discover new chemical-free malaria medicine

Arusha/Dar. Researchers at the Nelson Mandela Institute of Science and Technology (NM-AIST) have successfully developed a new chemical-free malaria medicine.

The team, in collaboration with researchers from medical institutions in Kenya (KEMRI) and South Africa, achieved this breakthrough at the end of July 2024, following an extensive three-year study.

The medicine is the first anti-malaria treatment to be developed in Africa, specifically in Tanzania using herbals.

Speaking in Arusha on August 9, 2024, at the Nane Nane agricultural exhibitions in the northern regions, NM-AIST medical researcher, Dr Daniel Shadrack said the medicine was developed from extensive research into herbal medicines used traditionally to treat malaria.

“This traditional treatment often involves various herbs, including the ‘Sindelela Ondorata’ plant. The research discovered that it has significant potential for treating and preventing the disease,” said Dr Shadrack.

“Having seen this potential, we began research to standardize it into modern medicines, and we have now succeeded. We expect it to be a major aid for African countries in the fight against malaria,” he added.

Dr Shadrack, who doubles as chief researcher on vaccine progress said no significant development has been made on the discovery of the disease vaccine.

“This medication can both treat and prevent malaria. It is intended to treat someone who is already infected with malaria, but it can also protect against the disease,” he said.

He said the process of developing the medicine has made considerable progress; noting that three years down the line the process was still underway.

At least now, Dr Shadrack said the tablets are ready for testing, hinting that the next step was advancing the medicines for human trials, which cannot be specified at the moment, promising to communicate to the public institution once they are ready.

However, he insisted that trials for the medicine were expected to commence soon, saying some people have started using the medicine, and show positive results.

He said once the trials are conducted in hospitals and results are shared, official procedures will be communicated regarding the use of the medication.

“The difference between this medicine and those produced abroad is that it is more naturally developed using local plants, though it is in tablet form and has minimal side effects. However, its effectiveness is significantly higher,” he said.

Regarding the dosage and usage instructions, Dr Shadrack said, “This is a step in progress. For now, we have instructed individuals to take two tablets every three hours, but later we will establish a routine specifying whether a person should take it for two, three, four, or five days.”

NM-AIST Vice-Chancellor, Prof Maulilio Kipanyula said that following the successful development of the herbal medicine, regulatory institutions will be communicated for approval and commencement of official domestic production once trials come with successful results.

“We hope this herbal-based medicine will serve as a strong shield against malaria, saving thousands of people and children who die from the disease in the continent and beyond,” said Prof Kipanyula.

During the exhibition, Manyara Regional Commissioner (RC), Ms Queen Sendiga urged researchers to expedite the medicine approval process to benefit those suffering from malaria annually.

Currently, Tanzania’s statistics show that 58 out of every 1,000 children under five years old contracted malaria in 2022, leading to seven fatalities which is equal to a decrease from 161 cases recorded in 2015, which resulted in 18 deaths.

However, Tanzania is working on a five-year strategic plan from 2021 to 2025 aimed at reducing malaria infection rates to 3.5 percent from the 7.5 percent recorded in 2017. The country also aims to completely eradicate the disease by 2030.