Professor Patrick Engeu Ogwang, a senior lecturer in the pharmacy department at Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST) has won an innovative research award.
The award was given to him by Global Peace Foundation following his outstanding commitment to fighting Covid-19 Pandemic using indigenous knowledge and herbal medicine.
A nationwide poll was carried out in Uganda by the Global Peace Foundation and its local collaborators, and Prof. Ogwang Patrick was chosen as a champion in research and innovation.
Prof. Ogwang’s research focuses on evaluating, creating, and manufacturing plant-based medications based on data from traditional medicine and modern laboratory results.
Under his Jena Herbals Uganda Ltd. company, Prof. Ogwang Patrick invented Covidex, a natural herb for supportive treatment in the control of viral infections Covid-19 inclusive.
COVIDEX background
According to reports, in 2020, when an American visiting professor contracted COVID-19 in Uganda, Prof. Ogwang modified a concoction that he had been developing to treat viral mouth ulcers. He gave it to the American to drop into his nostrils several times a day.
Prior research had shown that the mixture had antiviral properties. The visitor made a full recovery in short order! A colleague of the guest professor who had traveled with him to Uganda also fell ill with COVID-19 and was also helped, without having to be admitted.
It was also reported that in May/June 2021, when the delta variant of COVID-19 made its entry into Uganda, Ogwang shared his anti-COVID-19 nasal drops with some family members and close friends and they all got better. Then Prof. Ogwang himself came down with COVID-19.
He used his medicine which he called Covidex to heal himself. After he had about 10 documented cases, he approached the National Drug Authority for an emergency license. He was awarded a temporary emergency license, while he arranges full clinical trials.
Medical practitioners may use Covidex along with other treatment regimens, since Covidex is known to have anti-viral properties.
