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ANTANANARIVO – Madagascar President Andry Rajoelina on Monday batted away criticism for promoting a homegrown “remedy” for COVID-19, charging that the West has a condescending attitude toward traditional African medicine.
“If it wasn’t Madagascar, and if it was a European country that had actually discovered this remedy, would there be so much doubt? I don’t think so,” he told French media in an interview.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has repeatedly warned that the Covid-Organics infusion, which Rajoelina has touted as a remedy against the deadly coronavirus, has not been clinically tested.
The drink is derived from artemisia – a plant with proven anti-malarial properties – and other indigenous herbs.
“African scientists… should not be underestimated,” he told France 24 and Radio France International (RFI).
“I think the problem is that (the drink) comes from Africa and they can’t admit… that a country like Madagascar… has come up with this formula to save the world,” said Rajoelina, who claims the infusion cures patients within 10 days.
Already Equatorial Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Niger and Tanzania have taken delivery of consignments of the potion, which was launched last month and many other African countries are now backing Madagascar in promoting this new found cure.
“No country or organisation will keep us from going forward,” Rajoelina said in response to the WHO’s concerns.
He said proof of the tonic’s efficacy was in “the healing of our sick” and not just a wish or mere saying.
Madagascar has officially reported 183 coronavirus infections and 105 recoveries, with no deaths.
“The patients who were cured were cured through the administration of Covid-Organics alone,” the president said.
He referred to the remedy as “an improved traditional medicine”, adding that Madagascar was not conducting clinical trials but “clinical observations” in accordance with WHO guidelines.
Meanwhile, a Senegalese scientific committee has confirms the effectiveness of the Madagascar Covid-19 Organics remedy and gives the green light as to its use in Senegal.
Source: Culled from My African Updates Website