Wusorkrom: The Centre of Awareness Research and Manufacturing Limited Company (COA-RMLC) has made an urgent appeal for government support to advance its two-decade-long research project aimed at discovering a cure for HIV and AIDS. The centre has specifically called for state collaboration to mobilize researchers and scientists to conduct clinical trials on a series of herbal products developed to treat HIV and other viral infections.
According to Ghana News Agency, the COA-RMLC emphasized that internal research and public testimonials indicate the potential of their herbal products to manage or cure HIV, although these claims are not yet conclusive. Clinical trials are deemed necessary to scientifically verify these assertions, identify any shortfalls, and provide recommendations to expedite the project's success.
Professor Samuel Ato Duncan, the Founder and Executive President of COA, made this plea during a visit by the Parliamentary Select Committee on Health to his facility in Wusorkrom. This visit was part of the committee's working tour of the Central Region, which included stops at several institutions, such as the Cape Coast Teaching Hospital.
During the meeting, Prof. Duncan shared insights into his 'groundbreaking' research on an HIV cure and expressed frustration over the lack of support from successive governments despite repeated appeals. He lamented the financial burden of the research and the need to take it to South Africa, where they now claim to have found a cure for the virus. Prof. Duncan also highlighted the efficacy of existing COA products in managing various health conditions and underscored the economic potential of the project, estimating it could generate about 76 billion annually and create significant employment opportunities.
Members of the committee expressed sympathy and pledged their support for the project. Dr. Mark Kurt Nawaane, Chairman of the Committee, noted the widespread use of herbal medicine in Ghana and questioned the country's slow progress in the sector. He encouraged COA-RMLC to prepare a statement for the committee to present in Parliament and promised to raise the issue with the Minister of Health.
Additionally, Mr. Alexander Akwasi Acquah, MP for Akim Oda, urged his colleagues to treat the initiative as a personal project to garner the necessary backing. Dr. Prince Arhin, MP for Mfantseman, assured the committee's readiness to partner with COA-RMLC and suggested listing their products on the National Health Insurance Scheme drug list. Dr. Yakubu Tobor Yusuf, Registrar of the Traditional Medicine Council, proposed establishing a clinical trial center for herbal products, in collaboration with various stakeholders.
Following the meeting and a tour of the facility, Prof. Duncan donated 70 boxes of COA products for distribution among all MPs, underscoring the centre's commitment to advancing traditional medicine in Ghana.
