The African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD) Chief Executive Officer, Mme Nardos Bekele-Thomas, has expressed strong support for the Sondashi Formula, describing it as a promising solution for Africa in the fight against HIV/AIDS. During her courtesy call on April 10, 2025, she emphasized the need to scale up the formula as part of a broader African-led initiative for health innovation.
“The Sondashi Formula is proving to be a good solution for Africa,” Mme Bekele-Thomas stated, underscoring the African Union’s commitment to fostering homegrown solutions in healthcare. She highlighted the potential of the formula as an alternative treatment, particularly in light of the impending closure of the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), which has been a major source of HIV/AIDS funding and treatment across the continent.
Developed by Zambian researcher and politician Dr. Ludwig Sondashi, the Sondashi Formula has been under clinical evaluation as a possible treatment for HIV/AIDS. It has long been regarded as a potential breakthrough, sparking interest among scientists and policymakers. With renewed support from AUDA-NEPAD, there is a growing push for its official recognition and wider adoption.
Mme Bekele-Thomas reiterated that Africa must take charge of its own health solutions, encouraging governments and research institutions to work together in ensuring that innovations such as the Sondashi Formula receive the necessary support. “We must begin to invest in African solutions and take ownership of our health systems,” she said.
Her remarks signal a significant shift towards self-reliance in medical research and treatment in Africa. If scaled up successfully, the Sondashi Formula could play a crucial role in the continent’s fight against HIV/AIDS, reducing dependence on external funding while promoting indigenous scientific advancements.