The World Health Organization (WHO) does not support the herbal remedy, Covid-Organic drink (CVO) touted by Malagasy President, Andry Rajoelina to fight against Covid-19 as no clinical test has been conducted to ascertain its efficacy. WHO says the product has not been tested in line with Global Standards.
WHO acknowledges medicinal plants such as Artemisia annua (which is the major herb in Covid-Organic) especially as it is in consideration as possible treatment however, emphasizes on rigorous clinical trials for its effectiveness as well as adverse side effects, if any.
Earlier this week, in an exclusive interview with France 24 and RFI, President Andry Rajoelina said they conduct clinical observations not trials since the validation system is different from that of drugs; and these clinical observations are in line with guidelines from WHO, observing the impact on the health status of Covid-19 patients via a study protocol. “We have fully complied with universally recognised standards of ethics for clinical research and studies,” he said. He also said that Clinical monitoring will be conducted as well but, at a regional level.
President Rajoelina said no Covid-19 patient has died and that the vast majority of people treated with the remedy, proves that it works. He reported 171 coronavirus infections and 105 recoveries to date (no deaths). “The patients who have healed have taken no other product than Covid-Organics,” he added.
He wondered if people would doubt that the remedy works if it had been discovered by an European country not Madagascar.
“What is the problem with Covid-Organics, really? Could it be that this product comes from Africa? Could it be that it’s not OK for a country like Madagascar, which is the 63rd poorest country in the world… to have come up with (the formula) that can help save the world?” asked Rajoelina
He said “It is God who gave us these medicinal plants to help to help our country and help the rest of the world against this disease”.
