Kumasi: HEPA Plus has committed an initial US$3,000 seed fund to support research and innovation in herbal medicine through the launch of the HEPA Plus Awards Scheme (HAS) at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST). The initiative, launched in collaboration with the Department of Herbal Medicine, KNUST, and Ebenage Herbal Production and Consult, is designed to promote evidence-based herbal medicine by providing funding, mentorship, and career development opportunities for students, researchers, and practitioners.
According to Ghana Web, the launch formed part of activities marking the 25th anniversary of the Department of Herbal Medicine, KNUST, and was held at the university's Great Hall. Speaking at the event, the Founder of HEPA Plus, Dr. Ebenezer Agyemang, highlighted Africa's rich endowment of medicinal plants and indigenous healing knowledge that must be scientifically researched and innovated to unlock their potential.
Dr. Agyemang expressed that HEPA Plus is dedicated not only to producing quality herbal medicines but also to investing in research and developing the next generation of herbal medicine innovators. He emphasized the importance of moving promising research ideas beyond the classroom by providing mentorship, funding, and industry support to young researchers.
He further explained that the awards scheme aims to promote safe, effective, and high-quality herbal medicine through scientific research, support young researchers with the potential to make significant contributions to healthcare, and encourage innovation capable of creating businesses, jobs, and lasting impact. The US$3,000 seed capital has been provided through HEPA Plus and its flagship brands, Pavi and Plasmox, to support promising research projects under the awards scheme.
Dr. Agyemang shared his personal story of receiving financial support from his lecturer during his studies at KNUST's Department of Herbal Medicine, which eventually led to the development of the HEPA Plus brand. This experience inspired the creation of the HEPA Plus Awards Scheme to provide similar opportunities for young researchers to transform innovative ideas into practical healthcare solutions.
Outstanding participants in the awards scheme will receive recognition, mentorship, research support, career development opportunities, and potential employment with Ebenage Herbal Production and Consult. Dr. Agyemang expressed optimism about Ghana's capacity to become a leader in evidence-based herbal medicine research and innovation and called on corporate organizations and development partners to support the initiative.
The ceremony was attended by notable figures, including the Chairman of the KNUST Governing Council, Akyamfour Asafo-Boakye Agyemang Bonsu; the Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Prof Samuel Asare-Nkansah; the Provost of the College of Health Sciences, Prof Christian Agyare; and the Head of the Department of Herbal Medicine, Dr. Bernard Kofi Turkson. Applications for the HEPA Plus Awards Scheme are now open to researchers, students, and practitioners interested in advancing herbal medicine through scientific research and innovation.