Vidicine, a herbal medicine manufactured by Kazire Health Products Limited has successfully passed National Drug Authority clinical trials.
Vidicine is not just a herbal medicine; it is a symbol of hope for Uganda and Africa in general as we face reduced foreign aid from united states of Africa (USA), which could be a wakeup call for African researchers to seize the opportunity to redefine Africa’s healthcare system by developing their indigenous local medicines
Edward Kazeire, the proprietor Kazire herbal products limited said that Vidicine passing the clinical trials marks an important step towards pathogen independence by reducing over relying on foreign manufactured medicines.
“This breakthrough comes as Vidicine is poised to offer an innovative treatment for respiratory infections, providing hope for those suffering from conditions such as the flu and other viral infections,” Kazeire said.
Vidicine’s formulation includes two powerful compounds: quercetin and berberine. Quercetin, a flavonoid found in many fruits and vegetables, is known for its potent anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce the severity of inflammation in the body. Berberine, a natural compound derived from several plants, has been shown to possess antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and immune-boosting effects
Juliet Awori Okecho of National Drug Authority (NDA) explains that Vidicine medicine compounds work synergistically to inhibit the influenza virus from attacking the body’s cells, potentially preventing the onset of respiratory infections or aiding their treatment.
Africa’s Answer to Self-Sufficiency
The successful completion of the clinical trials comes at a time when US president Donald Trump has cut aid to most developing African countries which aid was covering 70 % of Africa’s health services.
Despite the fear it raises, it also offers opportunities for Africa’s self-development as Africans will have to be forced to depend less on US medical aid. But instead, focus on developing and empowering Africa’s human and material resources for its own development.
Trump’s cutting of US medical aid to Uganda presents itself as an opportunity for Africa to shift its focus from dependency to self-sufficiency by empowering local medical experts.
Furthermore, the cutting of aid by US government is likely to subject African researchers in different fields specifically medical to rigorously interest themselves into research hence developing more lifesaving herbal medicines like Kazire Health Products which has put in place a promising future in the fight against viral diseases which has paved a way for the development of more natural, effective treatments of diseases.
This is not the first time Ugandans have achieved a breakthrough in herbal trials, evidently during the COVID-19 pandemic, when Uganda was faced with vaccine shortages due to high demand in the US and UK, Professor Patrick Ogwang developed COVIDEX a herbal medicine recognized for its potential in aiding COVID-19 treatment. This success story demonstrated Uganda’s capacity for innovation.
Besides Vidicine’s journey reflects a growing trend in Africa’s healthcare industry by embracing local solutions for global challenges.
With the government’s financial and technical support, herbal medicine has the potential to become a viable alternative to foreign medications, reducing Uganda’s reliance on imported drugs.
For years, herbal medicine has lacked standardized dosages and guidelines for effective use. However, with increased government investment in research, this gap can be bridged, empowering Uganda’s innovative herbalists to develop safe and effective solutions for local healthcare.
