Africa’s Answer to Ebola
Announcing a Promising Ebola Treatment from African Traditional Medicine
Presented by
PROMETRA International – Morehouse School of Medicine – USAMRIID – Andrew J Young Foundation
Background
President Obama invited African Presidents and Young African Leaders to Washington, DC in August to
the 2014 US Africa Leaders Summit. The meeting topics of trade, business and development were
overshadowed by the Ebola epidemic. African Presidents were challenged to explore all viable ways to
address this devastating epidemic. Recognizing the history and use of traditional medicine throughout
Africa, a meeting between Ambassador Andrew Young and Senegalese President Macky Sall facilitated
the transfer of African herbal medicines by PROMETRA International to Morehouse School of Medicine
(MSM) in the US for testing against the Ebola virus. This in-vitro research was conducted by the U.S.
Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID) in partnership with Morehouse
School of Medicine (MSM).
The Ebola Situation
The Ebola epidemic continues to ravage Western Africa and remains a threat to the entire world. If
there exists therapies available in Africa that can treat this disease we are morally and ethically
obligated to immediately investigate, develop and distribute to infected individuals throughout the
African continent. This research documents the possibility of an African solution for a major African
health problem. We are obligated to identify resources for the full development of this treatment
opportunity and to announce these research findings to the public at large. These findings provide an
opportunity to utilize the indigenous knowledge of Africa to help stop the needless deaths and to
provide an accessible, low cost African based platform of care and treatment. These scientific results
validate the possible role of proven, safe and effective African traditional medicines in the solution to
many of our continent and world’s health problems. Indeed, proven African traditional medicine is “an
African solution to an African problem”.
Summary and Implications of Scientific Research
• Five herbal plant mixtures which were obtained from PROMETRA International (Senegal),
extracts prepared by Morehouse School of Medicine (MSM) and tested by U.S. Army
Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID) demonstrate anti-Ebola
activity in the laboratory.
• The laboratory research also demonstrates that these extracted plant derived compounds
are nontoxic to the cells.
• These extracts are water soluble which will allow easy oral administration and facilitate
production.
More scientific and clinical trial work is required to expeditiously move this work forward to
demonstrate these possibilities. USAMRIID endorses the need for additional research. Champions and
funders must be identified to support this work. We would like to request meetings with appropriate
agencies and individuals to move this work forward as quickly as possible. If this research is the
foundation of a potential treatment, we are both scientifically and morally obligated to move it forward.
The Ebola Epidemic in Numbers
Next Steps
• Identification of appropriate funding mechanisms to provide support for the next round of
scientific research including identification of active ingredients, synthesis of compound with
additional in vivo and animal toxicity studies. Mechanism of action determined in parallel with
preclinical development work. Estimated budget US $3 million.
• Support for community based prevention and education programs throughout five West Africa
countries executed by PROMETRA International, our African NGO partner. Estimated budget US
$3-5 million.
Partner Organizations
PROMETRA International
(www.prometra.org)
PROMETRA International was established in 1971, and is an international NGO headquartered in Dakar,
Senegal, whose purpose is to preserve African traditional medicine, culture and indigenous science
through research, education, advocacy and practice. It works to improve the health and wellbeing of
global communities through the use of quality traditional medicine and indigenous science, and building
bridges between modern and traditional systems of health care. PROMETRA International has twentyseven (27) chapters in Africa, Europe, the Caribbean and USA. All chapters are officially recognized by
their governments and maintain a national and regional partnership network that includes government
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ministries, civil society organizations and grass roots organizations. PROMETRA International conducts
scientific research, hosts international conferences and cultural exchanges, and coordinates a diaspora
wide network. PROMETRA International partners with academic institutions throughout Africa, USA,
Asia and Europe. It is a grantee of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the Ford Foundation, UNDP,
European Union and other international funders. PROMETRA International maintains an MOU with the
Andrew Young Foundation and the Morehouse School of Medicine. Dr. Erick Gbodossou is lead
researcher.
Morehouse School of Medicine
(www.msm.edu)
Morehouse School of Medicine (MSM) located in Atlanta, Georgia is among the nation’s leading
educators of primary care physicians and was recently recognized as the top institution among U.S.
medical schools for our social mission. Faculty and alumni are noted in their fields for excellence in
teaching, research, and public policy. The School is accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical
Education, and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Morehouse School of Medicine
mission is dedicated to improving the health and well-being of individuals and communities; increasing
the diversity of the health professional and scientific workforce; and addressing primary health care
needs through programs in education, research, and service, with emphasis on people of color.
Morehouse School of Medicine awards the Doctor of Medicine (M.D.), Doctor of Philosophy in
Biomedical Sciences (Ph.D.), Master of Public Health (M.P.H.), Master of Science in Clinical
Research (M.S.C.R.), Master of Science in Biomedical Research (M.S.B.R.), and the Master of Science in
Biomedical Technology (M.S.B.T.) degrees and trains community health workers. The Department of
Microbiology, Biochemistry, and Immunology conducts the HIV/AIDS and Ebola research activities and
Dr. Michael Powell is lead researcher.
Andrew Young Foundation
(www.andrewjyoungfoundation.org)
The Andrew J. Young Foundation is an extension of Ambassador Young’s vision, values and virtues that
continue to inspire leaders around the world to work toward a global community of peace, prosperity
and inclusion. The Foundation embodies his philosophy of creative nonviolence, exemplary of his work
as pastor, civil rights leader, diplomat, politician and humanitarian ‒ establishing a model and legacy of
effective servant leadership for current and future leaders in Atlanta, America and the world. The
Foundation seeks to share lessons of the past with students from pre-kindergarten to graduate school,
providing scholarships, producing documentaries and working with a variety of strategic partners to
communicate possibilities and develop leaders for an ever-changing world. It develops, implements and
maintains international programs that are structured to aid the startup and capacity of public-private
partnerships on health, nutrition, education, economic growth and democracy. Ambassador Andrew
Young is lead project advocate.
USAMRIID
(www.usamriid.army.mil)
Since its inception in 1969, USAMRIID has spearheaded research to develop medical solutions—
vaccines, drugs, diagnostics, and information—to protect military service members from biological
threats. USAMRIID’s specialized capabilities include Biosafety Level 3 and Level 4 laboratories, worldclass expertise in the generation of biological aerosols for testing candidate vaccines and therapeutics,
and fully accredited animal research facilities. It participates in support of emerging disease
investigations, working alongside colleagues from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and
the World Health Organization. As a reference laboratory for the Department of Defense, USAMRIID
sets the standard for identification of biological agents. Dr. Veronixa Soloveva is lead researcher.
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The Task Force for Global Health
(www.taskforce.org)
The Task Force for Global Health was founded as the Task Force for Child Survival in 1984. The Task
Force was initially tapped to serve as a Secretariat for a consortium of global health organizations:
UNICEF, WHO, The Rockefeller Foundation, The United Nations Development Programme, and the
World Bank. These organizations sought Task Force support for a collaborative effort to improve child
wellness and survival strategies. With the Task Force as Secretariat for the network, they resolved to
work together to develop and implement a plan for global immunization efforts and measures to
promote and maintain healthy children and families. Over our 30-year history, our role as neutral
convener and collaborator has expanded. Our programs include work in three sectors: health system
strengthening, immunization and vaccines, and neglected tropical diseases. In each of these areas, we
work with partners and communities around the world to provide and improve the resources necessary
for better global health for those in need.
Team Members
Erick V. A. Gbodossou, MD, President
PROMETRA International
Michael Powell, PhD, Associate Professor, Microbiology, Biochemistry, and Immunology
Virginia Davis Floyd, MD, MPH, Global Health Coordinator
Morehouse School of Medicine
Ambassador Andrew Young, Chair
Andrew J. Young Foundation
Veronica Soloveva, PhD, Principal Investigator, Division of MTS
U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases
May 7, 2015 FINAL2
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