Arusha, Tanzania – October 1, 2025: Over 100 world-class scientists, physicians, veterinarians, agronomists, and policymakers from more than 30 countries are set to gather in Arusha from October 8–10, 2025, for the first-ever International Symposium on Artemisia, hosted at the Aga Khan University’s Arusha Climate and Environmental Research Centre (AKU-ACER).
This landmark event, co-hosted by the Aga Khan Foundation, the International Society for Horticultural Science (ISHS), AKU-ACER, and Maison de l’Artemisia, positions Tanzania at the heart of global Artemisia research, showcasing the plant’s vast potential in health, agriculture, and environmental sustainability.
Artemisia and Global Health
Well-known as a natural remedy for malaria, Artemisia is now being studied for broader therapeutic uses, including tuberculosis, schistosomiasis, and animal health. Its role as a natural biopesticide has been successfully demonstrated on thousands of farms across Africa, reducing reliance on harmful synthetic chemicals and promoting sustainable agriculture. In poultry farming, for example, Artemisia has reduced the need for antibiotics – a critical step in advancing global One Health strategies.
“This symposium is more than a scientific exchange; it is a call to action,” said Dr. François Laurens, President of ISHS. “We must harness Artemisia’s potential to tackle some of the most pressing health and environmental challenges of our time.”
African and Tanzanian Leadership
The symposium will highlight the excellence of African science, featuring leaders such as:
Prof. Francine Ntoumi (Congo-Brazzaville), listed among Africa’s most influential scientists;
Prof. Patrick Ogwang (Uganda), pharmacologist and founder of Jena Herbals Uganda;
Dr. Agnès Ntoumba (Cameroon), UNESCO–L’Oréal International Laureate;
Prof. Emmanuel Sulle (Tanzania), Director of AKU-ACER;
Prof. Joseph Ndunguru (Tanzania), Director General of the Tanzania Plant Health and Pesticide Authority (TPHPA).
Other global experts include Prof. Pamela Weathers (USA), a pioneer in Artemisia pharmacology; Prof. Dominique Mazier (France, Sorbonne University); Dr. Romain Duval (France, CNRS/IRD/INSERM); and Dr. Lucile Cornet-Vernet, founder of Maison de l’Artemisia.
Representing the Tanzanian government, Dr. Seif Shekalaghe, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Health, stated:
“This symposium not only elevates Tanzania as a hub for scientific innovation but also reflects our government’s strong commitment to advancing sustainable solutions that safeguard health, the environment, and development.”
Looking Ahead
Participants are expected to call for large-scale clinical trials to validate Artemisia’s safety and effectiveness. Experts stress that this is vital for integrating the plant into mainstream medicine and agricultural practices.
The symposium is set to mark a historic milestone, underscoring Africa’s and Tanzania’s central role in shaping sustainable solutions for the health of people, animals, and the planet.
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