(Business in Cameroon) - Voted in Yaoundé on Thursday January 18, 2013, the 2013 budget for the Institute of Medical Research and Medicinal Plant Studies (IMPM) is of CFAF 656 million.

Functioning under the tutelage of the Ministry of Scientific Research and Innovation, the institute will use the money to carry out extensive research on diseases as well as plant studies, according to Board Chair, Prof. Rose Leke née Gana.

Of this amount, CFAF 191,110,000 will be used for investment while CFAF 465,000,000 will go into the different programs being piloted by the institute.

IMPM has five research programs: Malaria, HIV/AIDS, emerging diseases, medicinal plants and traditional medicines as well as food and nutrition. The institute intends to acquire state-of-the-art modern research equipment as well as ensure a conducive working environment for its staff, according to Cameroon Tribune. The institute will equally finalize the rehabilitation of its laboratories, put in place a data bank of research publications and in-house research results.

Created in 1974 and reorganized in 1993, the Institute of Medical Research and Medicinal Plant Studies has as mission to lead research, prevent, diagnose and treat priority pathologies caused by the problems of public health in the country, develop appropriate technologies for improved traditional medicines and promote research results, among others.

JV