This archive report was first published on 12 May 2020.
On May 12, 2020, Madagascar President Andry Rajoelina expressed his concerns over the global response to a herbal tonic for COVID-19 invented in his country.
The president believes the reaction illustrates the West's attitudes towards Africa, with many doubting the efficacy of the tonic despite its potential benefits.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the use of untested COVID-19 remedies is not recommended, and President Rajoelina's herbal tonic has not undergone clinical trials to prove its safety for human consumption.
The African Union (AU) has called for a review of the scientific data on the safety and efficacy of the product, known as Covid-Organics.
President Rajoelina stated, 'If it was a European country that had actually discovered this remedy, would there be so much doubt? I don’t think so,' during an interview with a French news channel.
Madagascar has confirmed 193 positive cases of coronavirus with no fatalities reported, and the tonic was tried on less than 20 people over three weeks, contrary to WHO guidelines.
Despite the lack of clinical evidence, many African countries have already procured the Covid-Organics, which is produced from the artemisia plant, used in malaria treatment, and other Malagasy plants.
President Rajoelina also emphasized the importance of African scientists, saying, 'African scientists… should not be underestimated.'
