"I am Delafrique Deogratias a Class of 2023 Millennium Fellow pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in pharmaceutical sciences from the Mbarara University of Science and Technology in Uganda. I like to call myself an innovator and a passionate SDG 3 advocate whose journey has been fueled by an unwavering passion for herbal product formulation and research. This enthusiasm has driven me to explore the vast potential of herbal remedies and their positive impact on the health and well-being of humans.
For years I have been at the forefront of campaigning to transform the healthcare system by championing the integration of herbal and complementary medicines. I aim to ensure that patients have access to effective, safe, and affordable treatment options.
Before joining the Millennium Fellowship Delafrique I was already involved in campus leadership, serving as President of the Association of Mbarara University Pharmaceutical Science Students and University Guild Council Chairperson.
But this Fellowship experience changed my leadership approach entirely. iN 2023, I was selected as a Millennium Fellow and Campus Director for the Mbarara University cohort, an experience which has helped build my leadership skills, ability to organize, and increased my passion for social impact work.
As a Campus Director not only did I run my own Fellowship project, I also supported other members of my cohort as they implemented their diverse initiatives. I was challenged and inspired everyday to demonstrate strong leadership skills and foster a positive environment for my cohort members. I wanted to create a feeling that we were all a family of people passionate about making a difference.
This Fellowship allowed me to engage in continuous learning in the niche area of social impact leadership and afforded me an opportunity for professional development while enhancing my personal and professional skills. The training focused on fundamental learning areas such as setting SMART goals and objectives, project management, communication, and problem-solving. I also established deep and valuable connections with other Millennium Fellows around the region.
The Students Innovation Award
The project I ran as my Millennium Fellowship project became very successful. I ran an initiative to create an innovative Antiseptic Herbal Wound Spray. This was a herbal formulation derived from locally sourced raw medicinal plants, including Bidens Pilosa (Black Jack) and Aloe vera. This innovative formula is proven to help with wound management particularly for minor cuts, burns, and bruises, providing a natural and accessible alternative for patients unable to afford expensive first-aid care. As a result of my work on this initiative, I was blessed to earn recognition from various healthcare players in Uganda, including a prestigious 'Heroes in Health Award' in the 'Students Innovation Award; category.
I hope the story of our Millennium Fellowship project, the VEP Antiseptic Herbal Wound Spray serves as an inspiration for young healthcare innovators. It illustrates the transformative power of combining traditional wisdom with modern solutions.
Legacy of Sustainability
As I graduate from the Millennium Fellowship, I intend to create a lasting legacy by ensuring the sustainability of my projects even beyond the Fellowship period. I am currently spearheading research into the development of grape powder which we hope can be used to help some cancer patients counteract kidney damage. This project aims to explore whether grape powder can help in safeguarding the delicate balance of patient health during and after therapy. In conclusion, I hope the story of our Millennium Fellowship project, the VEP Antiseptic Herbal Wound Spray serves as an inspiration for young healthcare innovators. It illustrates the transformative power of combining traditional wisdom with modern solutions. This creates a harmonious synergy that paves the way for a healthier, and sustainable future.
Thank you Deogratius and all Millennium Fellows who continue to make a difference worldwide. Connect with Deogratius on Linkedin.
