DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania
As the Africa continent rolls out mass covid-19 vaccination through the United-Nations-co-led COVAX initiative, Tanzania has installed four steam inhalation machines for the treatment of respiratory challenges.
MNH Executive Director, Professor Lawrence Museru introducing 'Bupiji Sauna' to the press |
The East African country is not among the
142 countries and territories recipients listed under COVAX scheme, aimed to ensure
equitable access to Covid-19 vaccines.
A local newspaper has reported that the Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH) and MNH-Mloganzila wing have on Thursday March 4, installed four steam inhalation machines for the treatment of the respiratory disease as the country is not opting for covid-19 vaccination.
Three of the machines are at Muhimbili hospital whereas one
is at Mloganzila hospital and the cost of each treatment session of 5 -10
minutes is Sh5,000 ($2.14).
ALSO READ: TANZANIAS TURN TO STEAM THERAPY
Speaking at the launch of the machines christened
‘Bupiji Sauna’, today Thursday, March 4, the MNH Executive Director, Professor
Lawrence Museru said the introduction of the machines will facilitate access to
the steam service for whoever is in need.
"This steam inhalation goes hand in hand with the use of natural remedies that have been used and have shown to help patients with respiratory challenges, this machine uses ‘Bupiji’ medicine placed in steam water and the patient or person who wants to go inside will stay for five to 10 minutes." Professor Museru said.
MNH Executive Director, Professor Lawrence Museru seen here after taking steam therapy |
He said the presence of such machines would enable doctors
to determine the extent to which the method helps in fight against Covid-19. “Through this method of conducting research we
will be able to tell the public with certainty whether what is being said is
helpful or not.” Said Professor Museru.
The machines made by Small Industries Development
Organization (Sido), cost between Sh7.5 million and Sh10 million ($3215 - $ 4287)
and can take up to six people at once.
George Buchafe from Sido said that for more than five years
they have been doing research to find a cure that can help fight infectious
diseases in collaboration with health professionals.
“We believe that Tanzanians will soon get answers through
Bupiji, this drug is a combination of different plants,” said Buchafe.
Last February, the President of Tanzania,
John Magufuli, urged its citizens to take preventive measures against the
corona-virus after downplaying the disease for months and claiming it had been
defeated by prayers.
Over the course of the pandemic, Magufuli
has expressed wariness about foreign-made goods, including covid-19 testing
kits and vaccines.
The President has repeatedly advised Tanzanians to use
alternative remedies such as steam inhalation therapy to ease the symptoms of
COVID -19. “Steam
inhalation is scientifically clear since vapor produced above 100 degrees
centigrade can easily dissolve the virus because it is simply an oil,” Magufuli
said.
A number
of Tanzania citizens have started steaming themselves and their families using
various types of herbs.
The
experts said that the reminder by the government to encourage the use of
traditional medicines calls for joint efforts between traditional medicine
practitioners and other stakeholders to use their knowledge and expertise in serving
the public and ultimately obtain a cure for the respiratory disease.
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