Nigeria is reportedly set to receive the herbal drug for Coronavirus named ‘COVID Organics (COV)’ from Republic of Madagascar which the country’s leader claimed cures and prevent Coronavirus.
According to reports from Madagascar, the consignment ordered by Nigeria has been sent to Equatorial Guinea from where it will be airlifted to Abuja.
Nigeria’s Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19 has been informed of the offer of the COV herbal drug from Madagascar and plans are being executed to send Nigeria’s allocation to Abuja.
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Currently, there is pressure on the Federal Government by different medical and scientific organizations to subject the herbal medicine to further analysis by the National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD) and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) even when some health officials are pushing for the clinical trial of Covid Organics before being used in the country.
The Nation reported;
“The consignments of the drug are being distributed to different countries in Africa based on zonal grouping. We have been told that Nigeria’s consignment is in Equatorial Guinea from where it will be airlifted to Abuja.
“When the herbal drink is brought into the country, we will know the next step. But some medical and scientific organisations are pressurising that the drug be subjected to clinical trial.
“Some countries like Tanzania, Congo-Brazzaville, Guinea-Bissau and Equatorial Guinea have subscribed to the drugs. Also, while South Africa has offered to conduct a scientific analysis of the drug, Senegal said it will subject it to clinical trial.
“I can assure you that the Federal Government will take the best decision on the drug in the overall interest of Nigerians.
“Before any food or drug can be administered in this country, there are certain protocols that must be followed. The government will not circumvent these protocols. We want solution; we want the best for Nigerians.”
Prior to this development, the Chairman of the PTF on COVID-19, Mr. Boss Mustapha had hinted Nigerians that the Federal Government was ready to give a trial to Madagascar’s herbal drink.
Mustapha said at the time;
“I want to assure you that whatever is happening in the world, we are mindful of it and we are keeping a tab.
“I was reading of the experiences in Madagascar– of why everybody is drinking some solutions that have been prepared. This morning I was sharing with my wife, and I told her that probably I would request that Mr. President allow us import a plane load for a trial.
“We are all navigating an unchartered cause. Nobody has ever been on this road. So, every attempt to find solution that would bring succour to our people, be rest assured that this task force is very responsible and we would do everything to ensure that we get what will benefit our people, what will help them in the processes that we find ourselves today.”
However, the World Health Organisation (WHO) insists that the efficacy of the drug was unproven despite positive results recorded in Madagascar.
