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 now lead global research into traditional medicine after being awarded a research grant from the World Health Organization (WHO).

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 issued a global request for proposals. The WHO, through its Global Traditional Medicines Centre, awarded the grant to the value of US$133 671 (R2 299 314.97) to AMITD to develop an intellectual property (IP) framework for the protection, regulation and innovation of traditional medicines for expert assistance to safeguard the knowledge, rights and commercialisation pathways. 

Global policy influence 

Prof Matsabisa, distinguished African Traditional Medicine expert and Head of AMITD, says the funding shows the trust that global funders such as the WHO and others put in the platform and how much they value the quality of work that is being done at the UFS. The grant is not only evidence that they can compete on a global level, he says, but it also shows they can be successful in bidding for international funding. 

“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, regulation of traditional medicines. 

“To raise such competitive funding is impressive and 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,” says Prof Matsabisa. 

Prof Vasu Reddy, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: 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 AMITD.  It is a proud moment for UFS and a powerful endorsement of our capacity to lead transformative health innovation that is locally grounded and globally resonant.”

Research must improve quality of life 

In preparing the successful response to the bid, Prof Matsabisa and his team were supported by a network of experienced and dedicated colleagues. Among them, Prof Reddy, who not only ensured all pre-bid requirements were met but also provided consistent encouragement and institutional backing. From the UFS Directorate 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 further strengthened by the contributions of Ms Marisna Nel, Chief Financial Officer of the UFS.

According to Prof Matsabisa, the AMITD is dedicated to conducting research that is impactful, socially relevant, and policy-influencing. “AMITD’s motto is very simple,” he explained. “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.”

Prof Reddy echoed this sentiment: “This award is more than a research milestone. It is a firm commitment to improving lives. At 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.”

Work already underway

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, Prof 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), Eastern Mediterranean (21), and the Western Pacific (27). This global engagement is an important step in understanding the regional status of traditional medicine and shaping solutions that are locally grounded yet globally relevant.

The grant will also facilitate the consortium’s participation in key international platforms, such as the 2nd WHO Traditional Medicine Global Summit in New Delhi, India (17-19 December 2025). 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, enabling knowledge-sharing and collaborative problem-solving.

Prof Reddy emphasised that: “Research must move beyond the lab; it must touch lives, shape economies, and inform policy. AMITD’s work is a model of impact-driven scholarship with a big heart, driven from the central heartland of South Africa.”