By Patrick Opio
Senior Communications Officer
Pathogen Economy Team Leader at Science, Technology and Innovation Secretariat – Office of the President, Brenda Nakazibwe, has said the Uganda Government emphasizes Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) as a driver for our nation’s socio-economic transformation.
Nakazibwe explained that the Science, Technology and Innovation Secretariat – Office of the President (STI-OP) has a goal of growing the contribution of knowledge-based goods and services to the national economy by increasing domestic productivity, import substitution and export of products resulting from Science, Technology and Innovation.
She was addressing a Monitoring and Evaluation meeting of a mosquito “Herbal Extract Larvicide” project being implemented/hosted at Lira University on 12th November 2024.
Brenda noted that STI-OP targets grant awards for R&D and innovations (process, products, technology or business models) in the following thematic areas:
a) Pathogen Economy
■ Therapeutics
■ Vaccines
■ Diagnostics
■ Biomedical Technologies
b) Mobility
■ Localization of Supply Chain for Automotive Parts, Systems and Components
■ Local manufacturing of vehicles, 2-wheelers, 3-wheelers and wheelchairs
■ E-Mobility Solutions
■ Sustainable Mass Transit Solutions
■ Road Safety
c) Infrastructure Innovations
■ Packaging technologies
■ Mineral resources and materials
■ Waste management
■ Transport infrastructure technologies
■ Sustainable energy technologies and applications
d) Industry
■ Local design and manufacture of electronics
■ Climate Technologies
■ Deep Technologies
■ Automation Technologies
■ Cloud Computing Technologies
■ E-Government solutions
e) Aeronautics and Space
■ Aerospace systems, subsystems and components
■ Earth Observation Technologies
f) Productivity Acceleration
■ Productivity acceleration/value addition technologies and tools for crops, animals, and
fish products.
g) STI Support Services
■ Innovative Platforms for Public Uptake of STI
■ R&D into Product Market Fit for Local Innovations
■ Innovative Technologies and Initiatives for STI Human Capital Development
■ Market access channels and technologies
To make STI work for our nation, Nakazibwe says, Government has established the National Science, Technology, and Innovation System (NSTIS) coordinated by the Science, Technology and Innovation Secretariat at the Office of the President (STI-OP)
The STI Secretariat (STI-OP) headed by the Minister for Science, Technology and Innovation, Office of the President, leads the National STI System (NSTIS), and is itself under the direct oversight of H.E the President.
Deputy Vice Chancellor, Lira University, Assoc. Prof. Okaka Opio Dokotum, lauded the STI-OP for providing guidance and coordination for scientific research, development and the whole National Innovation System in Uganda.
“As a young university, with wealth of fresh talented brains to do research and innovations, we ask the Government and other national or international partners to support us in innovations drive,” Prof. Okaka Opio Dokotum emphasizes.
The Herbal Extract Larvicide Venture Team Leader, also Principal Investigator, Mr. Icel Solomon, presented the below report to the meeting:
The “Herbal Extract Larvicide” venture, funded by the STI-OP with a budget of 300,000,000 Ugandan Shillings, aims to develop an environmentally friendly larvicide from herbal extracts to control mosquito populations, specifically targeting Anopheles and Culex larvae.
Under the leadership of Mr. Icel Solomon, the Principal Investigator, the government of Uganda supported Lira University to implement this initiative, titled “Herbal Extract Larvicide for Malaria Control and Prevention.”
Key activities include establishing a botanical garden, propagating the plant, and achieving 100% efficacy in larvicidal activities against various mosquito species.
From February to August 2024, significant progress was made, including the successful identification of suitable plants through collaboration with the Natural Chemotherapeutic Research Institute and the development of viable larvicidal products.
Larvicidal activities and toxicity assessments were conducted in collaboration with the Vector and Entomology Control Department of Lira District, with oversight on toxicity to fish provided by the fisheries officer attached to Lake Kyoga, and toxicity to earthworms assessed through Jaba Soil Laboratory.
Results revealed no adverse effects on non-target organisms such as bees, fish, and soil microorganisms, while toxicity studies on rats are ongoing at Mbarara University. Community engagement efforts included participation in local and national exhibitions, as well as the establishment of demonstration gardens. This initiative promises to deliver a sustainable and eco-friendly solution for mosquito control, ultimately contributing to improved public health outcomes at the national and international levels.
Mr Icel, also a staff at the Faculty of Public Health adds:
The “Herbal Extract Larvicide” project is a pioneering initiative aimed at developing a natural and environmentally friendly solution for controlling mosquito populations, particularly targeting species that transmit malaria, such as Anopheles and Culex.
Mosquito-borne diseases pose a significant public health challenge in Uganda and other tropical regions, leading to high morbidity and mortality rates. In response to this pressing issue, the project seeks to harness the potential of herbal extracts, specifically from an identified plant, to create a larvicide that is both effective and sustainable.
The partnership underscores the government’s commitment to fostering innovative solutions for public health challenges. By prioritizing sustainable practices, the project aligns with global health objectives that emphasize the importance of eco-friendly approaches in disease control. Such practices not only minimize environmental impact but also promote the use of local resources, enhancing community engagement and resilience.
Ultimately, the “Herbal Extract Larvicide” venture represents a significant step toward integrated and sustainable public health strategies in Uganda, aiming to reduce the burden of mosquito-borne diseases while supporting environmental conservation, providing job opportunities, increasing revenue base and cutting health treatment costs for the government.
The Venture Objectives
1. To analyze the phytochemical and pharmaceutical properties of the formulated mosquito Larvicide products
2. To assess the larvicidal activities of the formulated Larvicide to kill the mosquito larvae (Anopheles and Culex mosquito larvae)
3. To assess the toxicity profiles and purity of the formulated herbal extract Larvicide
4. To conduct the Larviciding trial using the formulated herbal extract Larvicide in Arocha Division, Apac district.
Future plans for the project
1. Ongoing Toxicity Studies: Continue the toxicity assessments on rats at Mbarara University to ensure the safety of the herbal extracts for both human and environmental health. These studies will provide essential data for regulatory approval and public acceptance.
2. Product Refinement: Based on the findings from larvicidal activity tests and toxicity assessments, refine the formulations of the herbal extract larvicide to enhance efficacy and safety. This may involve adjusting concentrations or exploring combinations with other natural compounds.
3. Field Validation and Expansion: Conduct extensive field validation of the larvicide in various ecological settings to evaluate its effectiveness in real-world conditions. Plans will also include expanding testing to different geographical areas to assess broader applicability.
4. Commercialization Strategy: Develop a comprehensive commercialization strategy for the herbal extract larvicide. This will involve identifying potential markets, securing distribution channels, and collaborating with local businesses for production and sales. Engaging stakeholders in the commercialization process will be crucial for ensuring the product’s accessibility and sustainability.
5. Setting Up a Pilot Plant: Establish a pilot plant or small-scale production facility to facilitate the manufacturing of the herbal extract larvicide. This will enable controlled production processes, allowing for further refinement of the product and providing a model for larger-scale industrial production in the future.
6. Community Training and Education: Develop training programs and educational materials for local communities to promote the use of the herbal larvicide. Engaging communities will be vital for sustainable adoption and long-term impact on malaria control.
7. Strengthening Partnerships: Foster collaborations with other stakeholders, including government agencies, NGOs, and research institutions, to enhance resource sharing and expand the project’s reach. Building a network of support will facilitate future funding and research opportunities.
8. Participation in National and International Forums: Present findings and share experiences at national and international conferences and exhibitions to raise awareness about the project. This will also provide a platform for networking and exploring potential collaborations.
Conclusion
The “Herbal Extract Larvicide” project represents a significant step forward in addressing the pressing public health challenge posed by mosquito-borne diseases in Uganda. Through the collaboration with the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation and various local stakeholders, the project has successfully identified effective herbal extracts, developed viable larvicidal products, and conducted thorough toxicity assessments. With results indicating no adverse effects on non-target organisms, the initiative holds promise for sustainable and eco-friendly mosquito control.
Looking ahead, the venture is well-positioned to refine its products further, establish a pilot plant for production, and develop a comprehensive commercialization strategy. Engaging communities through education and training will be crucial for the widespread adoption of the herbal larvicide.
By participating in national and international forums, the project aims to raise awareness and build partnerships that will enhance its impact. Overall, the initiative not only contributes to improved public health outcomes in Uganda but also serves as a model for integrating innovation, sustainability, and community involvement in the fight against vector-borne diseases at national and international levels and above all increase revenue base (boost national economy) and employment opportunities for the country.
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