Summary:
President Museveni emphasized the company’s groundbreaking innovations, underscoring their importance in strengthening Uganda’s healthcare sector.
NEWS: President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has lauded Kazaire Pharmaceutical Company Limited for its pioneering contributions toward Uganda’s self-reliance in essential medicine production.
Speaking during the 44th Tarehe Sita celebrations on Thursday in Kyotera District, President Museveni praised the Western Uganda-based company for the development of Vidicine, a natural therapeutic designed to treat COVID-19 and other respiratory infections.
President Museveni emphasized the company’s groundbreaking innovations, underscoring their importance in strengthening Uganda’s healthcare sector.
Led by Dr. Edward Kazaire, Kazaire Pharmaceuticals has achieved a significant milestone by securing regulatory approval for Vidicine, positioning Uganda as a key player in the global natural medicine industry.
During a press briefing on Saturday in Mbarara City, Dr. Edward Kazaire, Executive Director of Kazaire Pharmaceuticals, expressed appreciation for the Ugandan government’s support of natural medicine research. He highlighted this recognition as a transformative step not only for Uganda but for the advancement of medicine across Africa.
“When the government acknowledges scientists working in natural medicine, it marks a fundamental shift in the growth and development of healthcare in Uganda and the continent at large,” Dr. Kazaire stated.
He also thanked President Museveni for empowering scientists to seek innovative solutions during the 2019 COVID-19 outbreak. This support, Dr. Kazaire noted, was instrumental in the development of Vidicine, which has since been approved by the National Drug Authority (NDA) for its efficacy and safety.
Dr. Kazaire emphasized Uganda’s potential to lead in natural medicine development, citing the country’s rich biodiversity.
“Globally, there is a rising demand for natural therapeutics. Uganda, being the second most biodiverse country in terms of natural plants, cannot afford to be left behind,” he explained.
Kazaire Pharmaceuticals collaborated with Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST) in conducting preclinical studies, which were instrumental in Vidicine’s successful development.
Dr. Kazaire noted that while many international manufacturers focused solely on vaccine production, Kazaire Pharmaceuticals, in partnership with Busitema University, pioneered a natural therapeutic alternative.
Kazaire Pharmaceuticals currently produces 200,000 bottles of Vidicine daily and has established a 1,000-acre nucleus farm in Masindi District to cultivate medicinal plants throughout the year, supported by a UGX 6 billion irrigation system. The company has also partnered with 310,000 farmers across Uganda to supply raw materials for production.
“Every village will have farmers growing essential plant materials, with collection centers at the sub-county level equipped with driers and cold storage facilities,” Dr. Kazaire explained.
This large-scale initiative is projected to create 37,000 jobs, including 3,700 technical positions at the company’s industrial park in Nyakisharara, Mbarara City.
Kazaire Pharmaceuticals is also awaiting final NDA approval to commence large-scale production and expand its operations. The company has secured export deals with the Democratic Republic of Congo, Tanzania, and Burundi, and is in advanced negotiations with South Sudan’s Ministry of Health.
“We are in discussions to ensure that, once mass production begins, the Ministry of Health will stock Vidicine in all health centers across the country,” Dr. Kazaire confirmed.
The Source Reports.
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