Madagascar is reportedly undecided on producing a coronavirus remedy that would be in the form of injections.
The country has already been touting its herbal drug as cure and treatment for coronavirus with Madagascar’s President Andry Rajoelina saying in April that clinical trials for a vaccine had started.
He said at the time that the vaccine will be produced from the artemisia plant which has been the source of the Covid-Organics tonic.
The artemisia plant is the source of an ingredient used in a malaria treatment and other Malagasy plants.
President Rajoelina said the vaccine will be developed using extracts from the artemisia plant, just like the Covid-Organics drink.
In an address he said at the time that “A pharmaceutical factory will be set up within a month to increase the production capacity of CovidOrganics. It will be administered in other forms such as injections.”
But Michelle Sahondrarimalala, a medical doctor and director from Madagascar’s judicial studies department says putting artemisia in an injectable form has not been considered by the scientific committee.
This month the World Health Organization was reported to be considering signing a confidentiality clause with Madagascar on the formulation of its herbal remedy for coronavirus.
The WHO had for long criticized Madagascar for promoting the herbal remedy and distributing it to African countries.
According to the WHO using the herbal drug without enough scientific evidence of its efficacy can harm people.
Madagascar’s President, Andry Rajoelina has already urged farmers in his country to grow more of the artemisia plant.
He said on Twitter on Wednesday that he had “successful exchange with Dr. Tedros (WHO chief) who commends Madagascar’s efforts in the fight against Covid19.”
Rajoelina also added that “WHO will sign a confidentiality clause on the formulation of the Covid-Organics and will support the clinical observations process in Africa.”
Successful exchange with @DrTedros who commends #Madagascar’s efforts in the fight against #Covid19.@WHO will sign a confidentiality clause on the formulation of the #CovidOrganics and will support the clinical observations process in #Africa. pic.twitter.com/SCZZRDKheV
— Andry Rajoelina (@SE_Rajoelina) May 20, 2020
Source: Africafeeds.com
