President Muhammadu Buhari on Saturday received a herbal remedy for the COVID-19 from Madagascar.
The President however made it clear that all necessary procedures will be put in place before allowing traditional or any new medicines to be administered on Nigerians.
The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, announced in a series of tweets on Saturday, samples of the native remedy were brought by the President of Guinea Bissau, Umaro Embalo.
“We have our institutions, systems and processes in the country. Any such formulations should be sent to them for verification. I will not put it to use without the endorsement of our institutions,” Buhari was quoted to have said.
President Muhammadu Buhari Saturday at the State House, Abuja, received the Madagascan native formulation against the #Covid-19 pandemic, and reiterated that he will listen to science before allowing traditional or any new medicines to be administered on Nigerians.
— Garba Shehu (@GarShehu) May 16, 2020
The Madagascar herbal remedy named COVID ORGANICS (CVO) has generated alot interests among Africans many of whom are excited that continent has its own perculiar solution to the dreadful virus even as the world awaits an effective vaccince.
This comes days after the World Health Organisation (WHO) said it had met with 70 traditional medicine experts in a bid to find a cure for the COVID-19.
The health organisation said an agreement was reached with the herbal medicine experts on clinical trials of their remedies.
“70 traditional medicine experts from countries across #Africa held a virtual meeting with @WHO on the role of traditional medicine in the #COVID19 response.
“They unanimously agreed that clinical trials must be conducted for all medicines in the Region, without exception,” the WHO had tweeted.
The meeting also came a day after Madagascar President Andry Rajoelina batted away criticism for promoting a homegrown “remedy” for the COVID-19, charging that the west has a condescending attitude towards traditional African medicine.
Meanwhile, the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 on Friday, announced that five states in the country will also be participating in the ongoing solidarity trial for a treatment for the COVID-19, sponsored by the WHO.
The virus has so far infected 5,445 people and claimed 171 lives in Nigeria which is Africa’s most populous nation of 200 million inhabitants.
