Prof. Dr. A.V. Srinivasan: Championing AYUSH for Africa’s Holistic Health Future

Prof. Dr. A.V. Srinivasan, Founder and Chairman of the Sri Paripoorna Sanathana Charitable Trust, has been appointed AYUSH Commissioner for Africa under the India Africa Trade Council. In this new role, he is spearheading a mission to bring India’s time-tested systems of medicine—Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy—to the heart of Africa, offering preventive, affordable, and holistic health solutions to meet the continent’s growing healthcare needs.

Africa’s rapidly expanding population faces rising lifestyle-related illnesses and limited access to quality healthcare. AYUSH, with its focus on prevention and wellness, presents an ideal complement to conventional medical services—addressing chronic conditions, promoting healthy living, and making healthcare more accessible.

Since its inception in 2012, the Sri Paripoorna Sanathana Charitable Trust has been a beacon of service and innovation. Its initiatives include a 60-bed charitable hospital, an accredited Ayurvedic medical college, and residential care for the elderly and special-needs children. The Trust has also driven cutting-edge integrative medicine research in collaboration with institutions like ICMR.

At the heart of its work is the Sri Paripoorna Sanathana International Wellness Centre—a 13,000 sq. ft. facility that seamlessly blends ancient healing traditions with modern science. Inaugurated with dignitaries from Lesotho and other nations, the centre reflects the growing international interest in AYUSH, especially from African partners.

Africa’s own heritage in traditional medicine is rich and deeply rooted. However, in many regions, these practices remain unregulated or underutilized. Prof. Dr. Srinivasan’s vision is not to replace African traditions but to integrate evidence-based AYUSH practices in a way that strengthens the continent’s healthcare ecosystem.

Planned initiatives include:

• AYUSH Wellness Centres as community health hubs for education, treatment, and wellness tourism.
• Training programs for local practitioners to ensure professional and sustainable delivery.
• Employment generation through herbal medicine production and wellness services.
• Telemedicine platforms connecting African communities with Indian AYUSH experts.
• Collaborative research exploring synergies between African medicinal plants and AYUSH formulations.

The initiative will also open new trade opportunities—herbal products, AYUSH-based pharmaceuticals, and wellness services—encouraging joint ventures and local manufacturing across Africa.

As AYUSH Commissioner for Africa, Prof. Dr. Srinivasan envisions building a lasting healthcare bridge between India and Africa—one that unites ancient wellness wisdom with modern healthcare aspirations, fosters people-to-people connections, and drives mutual economic growth.

Through the India Africa Trade Council, AYUSH is set to evolve beyond a healthcare system—into a global collaborative movement promoting health, prosperity, and holistic well-being for both continents.