Tanzania installs steam inhalation machines as the continent rolls out Covid-19 vaccination

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.