BLOEMFONTEIN – The African Medicines Innovations and Technology Development Platform (AMITD) at the University of the Free State (UFS), under the leadership of Prof. Motlalepula Matsabisa, will lead global research into traditional medicine following the awarding of a research grant by the World Health Organization (WHO). The university announced this development on 23 October.
The global agency providing leadership on health through its Global Traditional Medicines Centre awarded the grant to the value of R2 299 314,97 (US$133 671) to the AMITD. The funds are to develop an intellectual property (IP) framework for the protection, regulation, and innovation of traditional medicines to provide expert assistance in safeguarding the knowledge, rights and commercialisation pathways.
The AMITD, which is located in the Department of Pharmacology within the UFS Faculty of Health Sciences, led a consortium that included the All-India Institute of Ayurveda to bid for the funding, after the WHO had issued a global request for proposals.
Matsabisa, distinguished African traditional medicine expert and head of the AMITD, said the funding showed the trust that global funders put in the platform and how much they value the quality of work that is being done at the UFS.
“This is great for our traditional medicines research and the quality of research that we do and lead. We shall now work on international projects that will influence policies globally. The research produced with the funding will go a long way, as we will develop a strategy and a framework for IP protection, and regulation of traditional medicines,” said Matsabisa.
“To raise such competitive funding is impressive, and the AMITD is now positioned to work on a global level. The funds are coming at the right time, as we are taking our research to impact. We are now able to take our work beyond national policy to hopefully influence global policies as well.”
Prof. Vasu Reddy, deputy vice-chancellor for Research and Internationalisation, says this award from the WHO is not just a recognition of excellence; it is a validation of Africa’s leadership in shaping global health futures.
“It is in fact a testament to the intellectual leadership and strategic vision of the AMITD. It is a proud moment for the UFS, and a powerful endorsement of our capacity to lead transformative health innovation that is locally grounded and globally resonant.”
In preparing the successful response to the bid, Matsabisa and his team were supported by a network of experienced and dedicated colleagues. Among them, Reddy, who not only ensured all pre-bid requirements were met, but also provided consistent encouragement and institutional backing. Of the UFS Directorate of Research Development (DRD), Werner Nel, Sugandren Moodley, Mandy Jampies and Dr Glen Taylor played a pivotal role, particularly in the development of the budget. Their efforts were strengthened by the contributions of Marisna Nel, chief financial officer (CFO) of the UFS.
According to Matsabisa, the AMITD is dedicated to conducting research that is impactful, socially relevant and policy-influencing.
“The AMITD’s motto is very simple. Research means nothing if it does not contribute to formal economies, directly or indirectly create decent jobs, improve people’s quality of life, and remain inclusive. If the research does not influence policy, does not create intellectual property, cannot be put into practice, and does not produce quality products and services, then it means nothing. Research should always be needs-driven and applied in nature,” explained Matsabisa.
Reddy echoed this sentiment.
“This award is more than a research milestone. It is a firm commitment to improving lives. At the UFS, we live the motto that knowledge must serve humanity, and this project ensures that traditional medicine becomes a driver of health equity, dignity and sustainable livelihoods.”
With the award secured, the UFS-led consortium has begun its work by preparing to establish a team of legal experts in indigenous knowledge systems (IKS), intellectual property, and access and benefit sharing (ABS). This team will develop a fair and equitable benefit-sharing model to ensure that research outputs benefit both communities and society at large.
To inform this framework, Matsabisa and his team have already engaged with coordinators of traditional medicines in the six WHO global regions: Africa (47 countries), the Americas (35), Southeast Asia (11), Europe (53), the Eastern Mediterranean (21) and the Western Pacific (27).
The grant will also facilitate the consortium’s participation in key international platforms, such as the second WHO Traditional Medicine Global Summit in New Delhi, India, planned for 17 to 19 December. Here, the team will provide technical support on traditional medicine, IP and ABS issues. Other activities will include in-person and online workshops across WHO regions.
Reddy emphasised that research must move beyond the lab; it must touch lives, shape economies, and inform policy.
Taylor, senior director for the DRD, concluded by stating the the AMITD reflects the power of collaboration and vision.
“At the UFS Directorate Research Development, we are proud to enable research that is not only globally competitive, but also socially transformative − research that creates knowledge, protects heritage, and delivers solutions that change lives.”
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