Madagascar: President Endorses Local Remedy Against COVID-19

Governments across the world are enforcing various methods to combat coronavirus (COVID-19) – however, Madagascan president, Andry Rajoelina, has been promoting one in the form of a herbal drink while easing lockdown restrictions.

The 45-year-old politician of the island nation touted the untested tea last week Tuesday, 21 April, on national television as a powerful remedy against COVID-19, claiming it can “change the course of history”.

Before consuming the concoction on air, Rajoelina said: “What we want to do today is to popularise this drink to protect our population.”

The beverage was developed by the Malagasy Institute of Applied Research, a private organisation that has tested locally sourced drugs for over 30 years. However, many medical practitioners are warning against the product.

The World Health Organisation has confirmed that there is no approved vaccine for the pandemic, and has warned against any unfounded claims of such. Many are desperate for a solution, and resorting to alternative medicines or traditional methods for a cure.

Madagascar has 128 confirmed cases of the contagion, and no reported casualties as of yet.

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