By Uche Mbah
The controversial drug cure for COVId 19 allegedly manufactured by Madagascar has been sent to Nigeria and other African countries by the off-coast African country while controversy rages on its efficacy and official approval by the World Health Organization, WHO. Africa was divided into zones by Madagascar for easy delivery, and the consignment for the West African zone was sent to Equatorial Guinea. From there, the federal government will airlift it to Abuja.
There have been claims by some trado-medical practitioners that they have the cure in Nigeria but indications are that FG appears indifferent to their claims but were quick to request for the Madagascar cure.
Yesterday, Nigeria recorded 4,399 total cases with 248 new cases.
It is likely that the Nigerian enter for Disease Control will turn over the drugs to the National Agency for Foods, Drugs Administration and Control, NAFDAC, for certification. They may also send it to the National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD) for analysis if feelers from the government are to be believed.
WHO has sat on the Fence over the drug’s acceptability. Initially, they were vehemently against it until the African Union endorsed it subject to clinical trials. The WHO softened its position but said that it will be acceptable if the efficacy is proven. Madagascar insists it works for them and has kept COVID 19 at bay.
There are no recorded cases of CoVID 19 deaths in Madagascar.
Earlier, the coordinator of the pandemic, Boss Mustapha, has hinted that Nigeria will give the Madagascar drug a trial.
“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 to import a planeload for a trial.
“We are all navigating an unchartered cause. Nobody has ever been on this road. So, every attempt to find a solution that would bring succor 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.”
