Diabetes is a disease which affects the lives of many across the world. In Cameroon, Vanessa Zommi has felt its affects firsthand, losing both grandparents to it and seeing her mother suffer from it as well. Vanessa, then just a teenager, decided that she could not just sit by and do nothing to help the 15% of people in her city of Buea who suffered from the disease. After researching a variety of natural treatments, Vanessa found the moringa oleifera tree. This tree, native to her region, has leaves which can be used to ease digestion, boost energy, provide nutrients, and, most importantly, lower the body’s sugar levels. Upon this discovery, she acquired leaves from local farmers to test her idea for a moringa leaf tea which could be a simple and inexpensive treatment for those with diabetes.
By the age of seventeen, Vanessa had begun a company for the manufacturing of Emerald Moringa Tea and was selling it locally at low prices so that it could be easily affordable to those in poverty. She also worked with the local farmers, teaching them how to plant and grow the moringa tree as a way to make money.
Vanessa grew up with a love and understanding of social entrepreneurship after helping her mother sell computers to support her family. Her innovative spirit got her far, earning her a place as a finalist for Africa’s Anzisha Prize for young entrepreneurs.
More information about Vanessa Zommi and Emerald Moringa Tea can be found here and here.
This was really an eye-opening piece for me. It is very easy to forget what goes on outside of our country but you provided a great deal of information regarding diabetes. Vanessa Zommi is certainly someone who deserves more recognition than she gets, but it is good to know that not everyone is in it for the fame.
What an incredible story she has! I never truly thought about the implications of having diabetes outside of the US, but I guess she learned it from experience. This is a great example of redemptive and social entrepreneurship. Great job!