Tanzania will host the maiden International Symposium on Artemisia on Oct. 8 in Arusha, bringing together global experts and policymakers to examine its health benefits and environmental applications.
Mr Arnaud Nouvion, co-convener of the symposium, told journalists via webinar on Friday that the event would highlight Artemisia’s medicinal, agricultural and ecological value, especially its role in malaria control, biodiversity conservation and climate resilience.
He said participants from Africa, Europe, Asia and the Americas are expected to present research findings, share best practices and discuss policy options for integrating Artemisia into global health strategies and environmental programmes.
According to him, the gathering will also provide a platform for collaboration between governments, academia and traditional medicine practitioners to advance evidence-based applications of the plant.
Nouvion described the symposium as a significant step in positioning Africa as a hub for scientific and policy innovation on Artemisia and its contribution to sustainable development.
The event will be co-hosted by the Aga Khan Foundation, the International Society for Horticultural Science (ISHS), Aga Khan University’s Arusha Climate and Environmental Research Centre (AKU-ACER), and Maison de l’Artemisia.
He noted that discussions will focus on Artemisia’s role in malaria prevention and treatment, tuberculosis and schistosomiasis control, reducing antibiotic use in animal health, and its potential as a natural biopesticide in agriculture.
Artemisia is a medicinal plant best known for producing artemisinin, the active compound used in modern malaria drugs. Beyond malaria, researchers are also studying its potential in treating tuberculosis, schistosomiasis, reducing antibiotic dependence in livestock, and improving agricultural practices through natural pest control.
(NAN)