Over 100 leading scientists and experts from more than 30 countries gathered in Arusha, Tanzania, from October 8 to 10 for the inaugural International Symposium on Artemisia. 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, this landmark event placed Tanzania at the center of global Artemisia research.
The symposium served as a critical platform for the world's foremost researchers on the Artemisia plant to share discoveries and forge collaborations that could change how we address major health and environmental challenges. A key outcome was a collective call for a large-scale clinical trial to study the plant's effects and ensure its safety for widespread use in preventing and treating malaria, a practice already widespread across Africa.
The event showcased the excellence of African research, featuring prominent leaders in the field including Professor Francine Ntoumi, Professor Patrick Ogwang, Mansour Ndiaye, and Dr Agnès Ntoumba. Experts from top universities worldwide, including Professor Pamela Weathers, Professor Dominique Mazier, and Dr Romain Duval, also presented their groundbreaking work, highlighting the plant's wide-reaching therapeutic effects.
The symposium emphasized that Artemisia's potential extends beyond malaria, embracing the "One Health" concept that recognizes the interconnected health of people, animals, and the environment. Discussions highlighted its therapeutic effects against tuberculosis and schistosomiasis, its use in improving animal health by reducing the need for antibiotics in poultry, and its demonstrated success as a natural biopesticide on thousands of farms.
“Artemisia symbolizes hope for health and sustainability in Africa and beyond," said Dr Lucile Cornet-Vernet, Founder of Maison de l'Artemisia. “By hosting this symposium, we aimed to bring together global experts to explore its far-reaching potential. Our goal was to accelerate its recognition as a key solution for malaria, climate resilience, and sustainable farming, while fostering collaborative research that will drive its global adoption."
Didier van Bignoot, Global Advisor at the Aga Khan Foundation, underscored the plant's agricultural impact: “As an agronomist, I've seen the transformative power of Artemisia in agricultural systems across Africa. This event was an opportunity to explore its benefits for farmers, animals, and ecosystems. Our aim was to drive innovation in sustainable farming practices and find scalable solutions that benefit both rural communities and global health."
The symposium also marked the beginning of long-term collaborative efforts. Dr Emmanuel Sulle, Director of AKU-ACER, emphasized the Centre's ongoing commitment: “Hosting this symposium at AKU-ACER underscored our commitment to solving global health and environmental challenges through interdisciplinary research. Artemisia's wide-reaching impact in medicine, agriculture, and climate resilience positions it as a powerful tool for addressing pressing global issues. This symposium is the start of long-term collaborations and research projects that will change lives."
