COVID-19: Madagascan President Launches Herbal Drugs That Cures Coronavirus

By Akinwale Kasali

If the news coming from Antananarivo, Madagascar, is anything to go by, then there seems to be relief for the African continent and the world at large on the cure for the deadly Pandemic, Covid-19.

Madagascar President, Andry Rajoelina, has launched a “COVID Organics” or CVO, in the country’s Capital, Antananarivo. He says it is   a cure for the Coronavirus.

The remedy from the Malagasy Institute of Applied Research, IMRA, created from the Artemisia plant, he says,  prevents any infection by the new coronavirus COVID-19.

Rajoelina told Journalists, Ministers and Diplomats present at the launch that tests have been carried out — two people have now been cured by this treatment hd said, applauding the Malagasy Institute of Applied Research (IMRA), which developed the beverage.

“This herbal tea gives results in seven days,” he said.

Downing a dose, he said: “I will be the first to drink this today, in front of you, to show you that this product cures and does not kill.”

The drink, which has been called COVID-Organics, is derived from artemisia — a plant with proven efficacy in malaria treatment — and other indigenous herbs, according to the IMRA.

But its safety and effectiveness have not been assessed internationally, nor has any data from trials been published in peer-reviewed studies. Mainstream scientists have warned of the potential risk from untested herbal brews.

Rajoelina brushed aside any such reservations and said the concoction would be offered to school children, as  his duty was to “protect the Malagasy people”.

“COVID-Organics will be used as prophylaxis, that is for prevention, but clinical observations have shown a trend towards its effectiveness in curative treatment,” said Dr Charles Andrianjara, IMRA’s Director-General.

The large Indian Ocean island has so far detected 121 cases, and no fatality.

The pandemic has triggered a rush for herbal formulas, lemons and ginger in the belief that they can protect them against the virus.

The World Health Organization, (WHO),  has asked people to be vigilant about claims by some sections of Researchers to have developed vaccines, drugs and concoctions to tackle the Covid-19 Pandemic.