Senegal approves Madagascar’s anti-COVID-19 drug

By Felix Tih

ANKARA (AA) – Senegal has approved Madagascar’s Covid Organics (CVO), an herbal potion for clinical trials that is said to cure coronavirus of COVID-19 pandemic patients, reported local media.

"We are moving to use the Artemisia [the main component of the CVO]. On our side. We are evaluating it scientifically. We have given green light” Daouda Ndiaye, head of the Senegalese scientific committee told local Radio Futurs Medias, a local FM network on Thursday.

"We will work on a protocol to see how to give it to Senegalese patients," he said

Top Senegalese scientist, however, cautioned people against self-medication or using the potion on their own without medical supervision.

He said the coronavirus herbal remedy can be used both for prevention and to cure patients.

Dr. Aloyse Waly Diouf, an official at the Senegalese Health Ministry said his country will begin clinical trials on Artemisia.

“The work will start today,” he said.

Senegal has 1,492 confirmed COVID-19 cases so far, with 13 deaths, and 562 recoveries, according to figures compiled by the US. -based at Johns Hopkins University.

Covid Organics was officially launched by Malagasy President Andry Rajoelina last month. The drug has been developed by the Malagasy Institute of Applied Research.

''I salute Madagascar's efforts in the search for therapeutic solutions which Senegal is following with interest,'' Senegal's President Macky Sall said following Rajoelina's announcement.

On Thursday, the World Health Organization (WHO) called for clinical trials of Madagascar's Covid Organics.

"We are advising the government of Madagascar to take this product through a clinical trial and we are prepared to collaborate with them," Matshidiso Moeti, WHO's regional director for Africa, told a media briefing.

South Africa has also expressed willingness to assist Madagascar to undertake scientific analysis of Covid Organics. Madagascar has so far shipped the CVO to several African countries.