Tanzania will host the first international symposium on artemisia on October 8, 2025, in Arusha, uniting global experts and policymakers to explore its health benefits and environmental applications.

Arnaud Nouvion, the symposium co-convener, told journalists on Friday via webinar that it would serve as a platform to highlight Artemisia’s medicinal, agricultural, and ecological value, particularly its role in malaria control, biodiversity conservation, and climate resilience.

He said that participants are expected from Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Americas to present research findings, share best practices, and discuss policy options for integrating Artemisia into global health strategies and environmental programmes.

He said the event would also provide opportunities for collaboration between governments, academia, and traditional medicine practitioners in advancing evidence-based applications of the plant.

He added that the symposium marked a significant step in positioning Africa as a hub for scientific and policy innovation on Artemisia and its broader contribution to sustainable development.

According to him, the event will be co-hosted by the Aga Khan Foundation, the International Society for Horticultural Science, Aga Khan University’s Arusha Climate and Environmental Research Centre, and Maison de l’Artemisia.

He said it would showcase the latest research and discoveries on the plant.

According to him, discussions will highlight Artemisia’s role in malaria prevention and treatment, tuberculosis and schistosomiasis control, reducing antibiotic use in animal health, and natural biopesticide applications in agriculture.

Artemisia is a medicinal plant best known for producing artemisinin, the compound used in modern malaria drugs.

Beyond malaria, researchers are exploring its potential in treating tuberculosis and schistosomiasis, reducing antibiotic use in livestock, and serving as a natural biopesticide in agriculture.

(NAN)