In a bold move to make cancer treatment more affordable and accessible, the Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI) has announced the development of six natural therapeutic remedies designed to support cancer patients across the country. This initiative, led by UCI’s department of Natural Therapeutics, aims to ease the heavy burden of cancer care, especially for those struggling with high costs and limited access to imported drugs.
Each year, UCI diagnoses over 30,000 new cancer cases in Uganda, with common types including breast, cervical, liver, prostate, ovarian, and colon cancer, as well as blood cancers like leukemia and lymphomas. Patients not only face the physical challenges of the disease but often find treatment costs overwhelming. Imported cancer drugs can be very expensive and sometimes hard to find, forcing many patients to travel far or even stop treatment.
To address this, a team of pharmacognosists and researchers at UCI have developed six natural remedies: Tincture, Muconat, Laxanate, Immunonat, Mammanat, and Healnat. These remedies are made from local ingredients and are designed to support cancer treatment and management in affordable and effective ways.
Dr. Boniface Adeka, a pharmacist at UCI who specializes in natural medicines, explained the benefits of these remedies. “Natural products generally have fewer side effects, making treatment easier for patients,” he said. He also highlighted the huge cost savings. For example, the imported drug Colfield Rustin costs about 400,000 Ugandan shillings, while Immunonat, its locally made alternative, costs only 15,000 shillings. This price difference can be life-changing for many families.
Dr. Adeka also noted the challenge of medicine shortages, which often disrupt treatment. “These natural options will help fill that gap and ensure patients receive continuous care,” he said. The project is funded by a grant from the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation, but more support is needed. Dr. Adeka called on the government and other partners to invest further and help with testing and development.
Among the six remedies, Tincture stands out as a preventive and early treatment option for prostate cancer, especially for men over 45 who are at higher risk. It helps stop the disease from progressing and improves patients’ quality of life by protecting cells from damage caused by chemotherapy.
Muconat, a herbal mouthwash made from local plants like tamarind and aloe vera, targets oral mucositis—a painful mouth condition common in chemotherapy patients. It helps reduce sores and speeds healing. Immunonat supports the immune system by managing neutropenia, a dangerous drop in white blood cells caused by chemotherapy. Keeping these cells at safe levels allows patients to continue their treatment without harmful delays.
Mammanat, made from soursop, ginger, and other herbs, is designed to support breast cancer patients. It acts as a complementary therapy, working alongside conventional treatment to strengthen patients’ resilience. Healnat is a topical ointment that helps treat stubborn wounds and infections in cancer patients, especially those with advanced breast cancer, where antibiotics may no longer work.
These natural remedies reflect UCI’s commitment to using local resources to improve cancer care and reduce treatment costs. The department of Natural Therapeutics is pioneering a new path for affordable, effective healthcare innovation in Uganda. With lab testing expected to finish within a year, clinical trials will follow, bringing hope that these remedies will soon be widely available.
UCI’s efforts are not only a medical breakthrough but also a symbol of Uganda’s ability to lead in creating homegrown solutions that offer patients relief, dignity, and a better chance at life—without the heavy financial burden of imported drugs.
