Here’s the story of a Nigerian herbalist who was able to treat malaria in the 1900s.
John Augustus Abayomi Cole was born in 1848 in Abeokuta, Nigeria. His exposure to many African cultures led him to consider himself a proud West African.

He lived for some time in Liberia, where he developed a strong love and devotion to Pan-Africanism. Many of his works are hidden in deep academic records and require daily exposure to Africans.
About the African Herbalist, Farmer, Politician and Intelligent Doctor who later served as an affiliate of the National Association of Herbalists in the United Kingdom played an important role in the outbreak of malaria epidemics in the 19th century. When he was four years old, John’s parents moved back to Freetown, Sierra Leone, for unknown reasons.
He was educated in Freetown until graduating with a Bachelor of Medicine from Fourah Bay College, Freetown. Shortly after graduating, John taught for a time until moving to the United States at age 20.
In the United States, John was instrumental in helping freed slaves from West Africa return to Sierra Leone by sending petitions to the Wesleyan Methodist Church. In 1889, West Africans arrived successfully.
Soon after, John left the church due to several problems with Christianity and religion. He continued his medical education in the United States, becoming a member of the Society of Physicians and Pharmacists (FSA).