This archive report was first published on 14 July 2020.
Madagascar's COVID-19 Crisis Deepens as Lawmakers Succumb ¶
On July 12, 2020, President Andry Rajoelina announced that two lawmakers had succumbed to COVID-19, a stark reminder of the country's ongoing struggle with the pandemic.
According to President Rajoelina, one member of the Senate and one deputy had died from the virus, while over 25 others had tested positive.
Madagascar had eased lockdown restrictions in the capital city of Antananarivo, but was forced to reimpose them following a surge in COVID-19 cases.
The country's much-hyped herbal remedy, COVID-Organics, has been touted as a cure for COVID-19, but its effectiveness remains unclear.
Some African countries, including Tanzania, had imported the herbal tonic in the hopes of curing COVID-19, but its efficacy has not been proven.
As of July 14, 2020, Madagascar had recorded 5,080 cases of COVID-19, with 2,494 recoveries and 37 deaths.
