Adebisi Tijani
Throughout ages and millennia, human societies across the world have always had well-established indigenous healthcare systems that helped sustain life and their respective civilisations.
It is, therefore, clear that no culture nor nation on earth has any monopoly over or exclusive rights to the application of pharmacology for the effective treatment of diseases. This draws from the fact that pharmacology has been a common therapeutic art of every culture on earth before the modern scientific wave of pharmaceutics.
It was, therefore, heartwarming news for Africa when Madagascar announced a locally manufactured drug for the cure of the coronavirus pandemic sweeping the world.
Madagascar, quarantined around 400 kilometres off the East African country of Mozambique, instantly leapt out of obscurity.
The medical feat came through as a result of a collaboration between the Malagasy Institute of Applied Research (MIRA) and the National Pharmacology Research Centre.
The herbal medicinal potion or drink, known as COVID ORGANICS (CVO), has since been stirring predictable controversies between herbal medicine and big pharma drugs and outright racists that would never see anything good from Africa.
But the Malagasy President, Andry Rajoeiina, would not be browbeaten. He endorsed and launched the herbal drug for the treatment of COVID-19 patients. According to Rajoeiina, the thrust of promoting the locally-made herbal drug is not only to help save lives in his country and the world, but to also help raise funds that will be re-invested in more advanced medical and sundry scientific pursuits at the Malagasy Institute of Applied Research.
Africanews, quoted the President as saying: All trials and tests have been conducted and its effectiveness has been proven in the reduction and elimination of symptoms of the COVID-19 patients in Madagascar.
Herbal medicine, in pulverized or liquid form, known as agbo across West Africa, is a common indigenous medicine among Black people in Africa. It has been used for both curative and preventative purposes since time immemorial.
But the World Health Organization (WHO) did not join the Halleluyah chorus for the indigenous Malagasy medical breakthrough. In its initial reactions, WHO officially declared that it had not recommended the drug as a cure for COVID-19, and, as such, warned against its prescription for the treatment of the disease. Upon such stance,the WHO tagged the nationally recommended use of Covid Organics as being tantamount to self-medication, as against medication by scientific prescription.
But Africans have roundly ignored the WHO on this, particularly since there is yet no known cure for the disease. Moreover, the Malagasy President had declared that the medication would be given away for free to the most vulnerable but sold at very low and affordable prices to those outside such bracket. He backed it up, deploying soldiers for door-to-door free distribution of Covid Organics.
In Antananarivo, the capital of Madagascar, pharmacies and supermarkets are said to be stocking up their shelves with CVO. And its been widely reported that no sooner were the drugs displayed than they disappeared from the shelves as a result of the relatively insatiable demand.
Experts at the Academy of Medicine of Madagascar have reassured residents of the island nation that it has duly established the medicinal properties of the herbal drug. But then, for thorough scientific self-assessment, the academy has put up a monitoring system to appraise the efficacy of the medicine across the various demographic spheres of its consumption. It equally explained that it was not putting up Covid Organics as an exclusive cure for COVID -19 and, therefore, upheld the individuals discretionary choices. It also urged users to strictly comply with the recommended dosage.
According to local media reports, Rakoto Fanomezantsoa, a military doctor and director-general of Suavinandriana Hospital, has shed further light on Covid Organics. The doctor explained that one of the medicinal qualities of CVO is that it not only strengthens the immune system, it helps eliminate viruses as well.
Among the early African leaders to endorse the innovative indigenous medicine were the heads of state of Guinea Bissau, Senegal, Cameroon, Comoros and Tanzania.
The miracle plant behind the global appeal of Covid Organics is known by the scientific name Artemesia annua, otherwise referred to as sweet wormwood, which belongs to the daisy family. Clinical studies carried out in Western laboratories, in efforts to ascertain the vaunted curative powers of Artemesia annua, have been rated as both interesting and promising.
The plant was introduced to Madagascar from Asia in the 1970s for the treatment of malaria, and forms the base of the popular drug, artemisinin.
Following a heated outcry across Africa against the WHO over the drug, it has since modified its stance. Matshidiso Moesi, WHOs regional director for Africa, in a recent media briefing, declared: We are advising the government of Madagascar to take this product through a clinical trial and we are prepared to collaborate with them.
Last month, visiting President of Guinea Bissau, Vinaro Sisoko Embalo, presented to the Nigerian head of state, President Muhamadu Buhari, a sample of Covid Organics as a gift from President Rajoeiina.
Upon praising the medical innovation from a fellow African country, Buhari called for its validation by Nigerias medical establishment.
Africa keeps on working out indigenous ways of solving her numerous problems without worrying much about Western bias. Whereas a kit for private testing of coronavirus is sold for 250 in London, Senegalese medical scientists have come up with an equally effective kit for an incredible price of $1.
Writing in The Guardian of London, Afua Hirsch noted: The African continent has a stellar way of innovating its way out of problems just look at how mobile money and fintech has turned it into one the most digitally savvy regions of the world.
It has been well documented how a patronising attitude towards East Asia is what allowed European countries to be caught by such surprise at the spread of this (coronavirus) disease. Now a similar mindset seems to ensure we dont learn the lessons Africa has to offer in overcoming it.
On French television, President Andry Rajoeiina of Madagascar put across a poser: If it was a European country that had actually discovered this (Covid Organics) remedy, would there be so much doubt?
He did not wait for a response.
And, on behalf of Africa, he declared: CERTAINLY NOT!
";n.innerHTML="window._taboola = window._taboola || [];_taboola.push({mode:'thumbnails-c', container:'taboola-below-article', placement:'below-article', target_type: 'mix'});window._taboola = window._taboola || [];_taboola.push({mode:'thumbnails-d', container:'taboola-below-article-second', placement:'below-article-2nd', target_type: 'mix'});";insertAfter(t,e);insertAfter(n,t)}injectWidgetByMarker('tbmarker');
Follow this link:
Covid Organics: Malagasy potion and patronising West - Daily Sun
- Utilizing your free, preventative healthcare coverage - KELOLAND.com - February 18th, 2024
- Preventive Pros: the Podcast - Department of Population and Public Health Sciences - University of Southern California - February 18th, 2024
- Heart health awareness and preventative care with Jen Lewis on Coast Live - News 3 WTKR Norfolk - February 18th, 2024
- Heart disease risk factors in women highlight need for increased awareness, prevention - American Heart Association - February 18th, 2024
- Preventive health care benefits | Opinion | thecabin.net - Log Cabin Democrat - February 18th, 2024
- Menopause and migraines: New findings point to power of prevention - Medical Xpress - February 18th, 2024
- How Young Is Too Young For Preventative Skincare? Here's What Experts Want You To Know - Health.com - February 18th, 2024
- Potential prevention of rheumatoid arthritis with injection? Clinical study brings hope for millions - WION - February 18th, 2024
- Heart disease risk factors in women highlight need for increased awareness, prevention - Medical Xpress - February 18th, 2024
- Stay on top of your fur baby's health: the importance of scheduling routine vet visits - FoxReno.com - May 17th, 2023
- Preventive healthcare - May 9th, 2023
- What Is Preventive Health and Why Is It Important? - May 9th, 2023
- What Is Preventive Medicine & Why Do We Need It? | AUC - February 16th, 2023
- Preventive Medicine | Journal | ScienceDirect.com by Elsevier - December 3rd, 2022
- Migraine - Diagnosis and treatment - Mayo Clinic - December 3rd, 2022
- Functional Medicine of Idaho | Preventative Root Cause Medicine - December 3rd, 2022
- These 2 Staten Island nurses believe IV hydration drips and vitamin shots are key to long-term health - SILive.com - December 3rd, 2022
- CNBCTV-18 and IIM-K's India@2047 Leadership Series: Challenges and opportunities in the fintech and healthcare sectors - Forbes India - December 3rd, 2022
- As N.W.T. mulls health coverage changes, petition calls for preventative HIV drug to be free - CBC.ca - September 20th, 2022
- EU regulator backs wider use of AstraZeneca COVID therapy - Reuters - September 20th, 2022
- Choose integrative medicine for health and wellness - Technique - September 20th, 2022
- The high hospital bills we make victims of rape and sexual violence pay - Vox.com - September 20th, 2022
- 4 Anti-Aging Products Youre Using All Wrong, According To Skincare Experts - SheFinds - September 20th, 2022
- Why Now is the Time to Double Down on Virtual Care - HIT Consultant - September 20th, 2022
- Tell Giselle: The price of good help is priceless - Wilkes Barre Times-Leader - September 20th, 2022
- Heron Therapeutics Announces U.S. FDA Approval of APONVIE (HTX-019) for the Prevention of Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting (PONV) - BioSpace - September 20th, 2022
- Pickleball injuries are on the rise: 5 preventive tips to keep you on the court - The Manual - September 20th, 2022
- The next big social movement and other takeaways from our regular meeting - POLITICO - September 20th, 2022
- 15 Mushrooms and How to Use Them in Vegan Cooking - VegNews - September 20th, 2022
- Use of honey in the management of Chemotherapy | CMAR - Dove Medical Press - September 20th, 2022
- Celebrity Strategy Consultant Predicts What Will Be The Most Impactful Area In The Pharmaceutical Industry - Forbes - September 20th, 2022
- C2C Care Course The Preservation of Our Global Photographic Heritage: Here, There and Everywhere - aam-us.org - August 3rd, 2022
- Loneliness: Causes, Effects And Prevention Forbes Health - Forbes - August 3rd, 2022
- Prevention and wellness is the new model, a leader from Henry Ford Health System says - Becker's Hospital Review - August 3rd, 2022
- FACT SHEET: White House Summit on Building Lasting Eviction Prevention Reform - The White House - August 3rd, 2022
- Getting Back to Employer Health and Wellness Programs - Cone Health - August 3rd, 2022
- Do ICDs Still Work in Primary Prevention Given Today's HF Meds? - Medscape - August 3rd, 2022
- Alzheimer's-defying brain offers clues to treatment, prevention - Harvard Gazette - August 3rd, 2022
- Wind-fanned lightning fire prompted precautionary evacuation notices near Medical Springs Sunday evening - Baker City Herald - August 3rd, 2022
- Experts discuss importance of cancer screenings and early detection - Merck - August 3rd, 2022
- King Institute of Preventive Medicine and Research to test samples for monkeypox - The Hindu - August 3rd, 2022
- Consolidated guidelines on HIV, viral hepatitis and STI prevention, diagnosis, treatment and care for key populations - World - ReliefWeb - August 3rd, 2022
- Dr. Sanjay Gupta: While monkeypox cases rise, why are we waiting for the cavalry to rescue us? - CNN - August 3rd, 2022
- SCYNEXIS Announces U.S. Food and Drug Administration - GlobeNewswire - August 3rd, 2022
- Governor Whitmer declares August 2022 as Breastfeeding Month, highlights additional breastfeeding observances - Michigan (.gov) - August 3rd, 2022
- New student education program supports drug and alcohol abuse prevention - The Ohio State University News - July 25th, 2022
- Suicide prevention training for health care providers a first step in longer-term efficacy - University of Washington - July 25th, 2022
- Pharmalittle: Congress may miss deadline to pass FDA user-fee bill; ViiV is urged to lower price for its HIV prevention drug - STAT - July 25th, 2022
- Prevention of Bipolar Disorder Episodes: Is It Possible? - PsychCentral.com - July 25th, 2022
- GAO Found Gap in Dirty Bomb Prevention - Government Technology - July 25th, 2022
- Florida man in apparent medical distress crashes car through beach crowd before hitting the water - CNN - July 25th, 2022
- Study: Preventive care scarce in LGBTQ+ community - - Medical Marketing and Media - July 25th, 2022
- The rise of preventive insurance purchases in India - ETHealthWorld - July 25th, 2022
- Why Are My Feet Always Cold? Cold Feet Causes and Treatment - Prevention Magazine - July 25th, 2022
- Agency looking to open overdose prevention site in Saint John amid 'poisoned' drug supply - CBC.ca - July 25th, 2022
- UVA Expert Offers Insight on the Use of Dietary Supplements for Cancer Prevention - UVA Today - July 25th, 2022
- Alzheimer's: Targeting key protein in blood may slow progression - Medical News Today - July 25th, 2022
- NPPC, FAS focused on ASF prevention in the Philippines - MEAT+POULTRY - July 25th, 2022
- Implementation of IPT in people living with HIV | RMHP - Dove Medical Press - July 25th, 2022
- NL starts preventive vaccination against monkeypox in Amsterdam, The Hague - NL Times - July 25th, 2022
- Precautionary measures you can take against brain haemorrhage - Times of India - July 25th, 2022
- Acid Reflux and Liver Disease: Signs, Symptoms and Prevention - Healthline - July 25th, 2022
- What to do if you get an allergic reaction: symptoms, causes, and prevention - Fox News - July 25th, 2022
- How one woman took control of her rare disease and achieved her dream - Times of Oman - July 25th, 2022
- Tilman Fertitta donating $50 million to UH medical school, which will be renamed after him - Houston Chronicle - May 20th, 2022
- This new 3D screensaver collection includes a driving tour of global pylons - Rock Paper Shotgun - May 20th, 2022
- Dedication, generosity and compassion that had no limit! - The Sun Chronicle - May 20th, 2022
- Manhattan internist and cardiologist, Dr. William Priester collaborates with Castle Connolly Private Health Partners to create a new concierge medical... - May 20th, 2022
- Tips on avoiding mosquitos this summer - morethanthecurve.com - May 20th, 2022
- Nanomedicine and HIV Therapeutics - AZoNano - May 20th, 2022
- The HIV Vaccine: What We Know, And What We Don't - MadameNoire - May 20th, 2022
- What we know (and don't know) about North Korea's COVID-19 outbreak - WCVB Boston - May 20th, 2022
- Experts warn of health effects from dusty conditions as sandstorm blankets UAE - Al Arabiya English - May 20th, 2022
- Statin therapy: Does the gut microbiome affect outcomes? - Medical News Today - May 20th, 2022
- New Preventative Medicine Facility Wraps Work in NYC - Healthcare Construction and Operations News - November 7th, 2021
- MPD working with faith-based leaders to fight violent crime - FOX13 Memphis - November 7th, 2021
- Cornell grad and lecturer touts benefits of plant-based diet - ithaca.com - November 7th, 2021
- Meet the Cork-born bread activist who has Goldie Hawn buying her loaves - Irish Examiner - November 7th, 2021
- Pfizer says pill cuts risk of severe Covid by 89% - RTE.ie - November 7th, 2021
- The roots of ivermectin mania: How South America incubated a fake-medicine craze that took the US by storm - Yahoo News - November 7th, 2021