Online desk |  1 year ago | top

President Emmerson Mnangagwa says the country will emerge stronger by adapting traditional and natural resources for the health and wellbeing of the nation.

Officially launching the new strategic plan for the National Biotechnology Authority, and a pharmaceutical product Cofsol, President Mnangagwa challenged the private sector to contribute in the country’s research, particularly in traditional medicines.

The Cofsol syrup was produced by National Biotechnology Authority, in partnership with Chingie Research and Gulf Pharmaceuticals Zimbabwe.

The syrup is a remedy for treating coughs, colds and flu, and is composed of the country’s naturally occurring Zumbani.

The President said research and development of the new technologies should result in more traditional medicines, food and beverages on the market.

 “Given the health-promoting properties of indigenous plants, I challenge the National Biotechnology Authority, other institutions of higher learning and the private sector, complemented by our skilled human capital, to use their scientific knowledge and innovation for furthering research and development in traditional medicines. The manufacturing of more products using our locally available natural endowments should be prioritised,” President Mnangagwa said.

President Mnangagwa said the innovation was evidence of the potential of the heritage-based Education 5.0 policy and called on the pharmaceutical sector to shift away from wholesaling and retailing drugs produced in other countries.