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| Dr. Matshidiso Moeti |
As cases of the novel
coronavirus continue to rise in Africa, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has
warned against reliance on traditional medicine, a common response by some
Africans to ailments.
It is not
uncommon for African citizens including East Africans to turn to traditional or
herbal medication to treat ailments.
The
traditional medication is often in the form of herbs and is common for both
urban and rural dwellers.
However, the
WHO has warned against administration of traditional medication in the treatment
and prevention of the novel coronavirus, saying that studies are yet to prove
their efficacy.
“For the
moment, we are not able to recommend traditional medicines, because there have
been no studies to see if they are efficacious,” Dr. Matshidiso Moeti WHO’s
Office for Africa said over the weekend.
In recent
weeks since the outbreak of the pandemic, multiple traditional cures and
medication have been prescribed and shared including rare herbs, traditional
concoctions as well as animal body parts such as bile.
Dr. Moeti,
the WHO Regional Director for Africa, said that there is still a window for
African countries to halt the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic through public
health interventions.
The World
Health Organisation also warned against myths such as drinking alcohol protects
against the virus. - Africa
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