Nigerian health minister gives Covid Organics the thumbs down saying there is no evidence it works

NIGERIA'S health minister Dr Osagie Ehanire has given Madagascar's coronavirus herbal remedy Covid Organics the thumbs down saying that there is no evidence to suggest that it acts as a cure for the virus.

Following the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic, Madagascar claimed that its Covid Organics remedy served both as a vaccine and a cure for the virus. However, the herbal remedy has not been subjected to any clinical trials, leaving the World Health Organisation (WHO) unable to accept it, prompting the Madagascan government to pull out of the global health body.

Madagascar's President Andry Rajoelina expressed disgust that Covid Organics has not been considered because it was discovered by an African country. Following the impasse, WHO director-general Tedros Ghebreyesus held a virtual meeting with President Rajoelina to find a way forward and it was agreed that the drug will be subject to clinical trials.

As part of these trials, Nigeria and several other African countries took deliveries of Covid Organics but yesterday, Dr Ehanire said there is no evidence to suggest it works. He added that the herbal drink did not show any evidence that it had real curative properties against Covid-19.

Speaking at the 52nd joint national briefing of the Presidential Task Force on Covid-19, Dr Ehanire said the National Institute of Pharmaceutical Research and Development has shared its final report on the evaluation of the Covid Organics. He added that the initial report showed that its main ingredient is the same as Artemisia

Dr Ehanire said: “While the preparation at high dose showed activity in reducing the frequency of cough, it did not show any evidence that it has real curative properties against Covid-19. However, we shall continue to support all genuine efforts toward finding local Covid-19 cures.”