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Unarmed soldiers from Madagascar went door to door in the capital Antananarivo, handing out sachets of a local herbal tea promoted by President Andry Rajoelina as a powerful remedy against the new coronavirus.
Dubbed Covid-Organics, the tonic is derived from artemisia, a plant with proven efficacy in the treatment of malaria, as well as other indigenous herbs.
It has been developed by the Madagascar Institute for Applied Research (IMRA) but has not been tested internationally.
“This herbal tea pays off in seven days,” Rajoelina announced at its official launch on Tuesday.
“We can change the history of the whole world,” he said, after lowering a dose. “Two people have been cured by this treatment.”
Leading scientists have warned about the potential risk of untested herbal teas.
There is currently no known cure for coronavirus, which has infected at least 121 people in Madagascar and more than 2.6 million worldwide.
However, military officials in the Indian Ocean island nation say the infusion would be better than nothing.
“It will strengthen immunity,” military medic Col. Willy Ratovondrainy said on state television when troops launched a mass distribution campaign.
In pairs, the soldiers followed people through the narrow alleys of Antananarivo to their homes.
“Good morning, we are here to distribute Covid-Organics tea,” said one of them.
Jean-Louis Rakotonandrasana gratefully accepted the free package of herbs.
“We have been eager to try this tea since we saw President Rajoelina drink it on television,” said the 58-year-old man.
Most of Madagascar’s 26 million people live in extreme poverty with limited access to medical care and regularly drink infusions for a variety of common illnesses.
“I think it’s great,” said Dominique Rabefarihy, grabbing a bag from Covid-Organics in the Ankazomanga slum.
“It reassures me that the soldiers are attentive to the health and safety of my family,” said the housewife.
Madagascar deployed the army last month to help enforce a blockade in its three main cities to curb the spread of Covid-19.
Soldiers who installed roadblocks and patrolled streets now make sure everyone receives an infusion bag and instructions for use.
“An infusion goes into four liters of water,” said Rabefarihy, repeating the instructions. “Two cups per day for adults, one cup for children, nothing for pregnant women.”
Madagascar’s coronavirus cases remain relatively low and no deaths have been reported so far.
But the country’s fragile health system would be easily affected by an increase in cases, and authorities are confident in prevention.
Its goal is to raise awareness of the virus and strengthen people’s immune systems.
“We highly recommend taking this herbal infusion,” said Presidential Cabinet Director Lova Ranoramoro.
Covid-Organics will be distributed throughout the island, with a particular focus on the most affected cities of Antananarivo, Fianarantsoa and Toamasina.
Fixed collection points have also been established in the capital.
Ignoring the signs of social distancing, a crowd gathered around a kiosk, lining up for the so-called “miracle drink,” being decanted into recycled plastic bottles of water and soft drinks.
“Here is a ready-to-drink liquid version available to everyone,” said municipal representative Rufin Rafanomezantsoa.
“As long as the WHO (World Health Organization) cannot provide any medicine to cure this disease, I am confident in the remedy proposed by President Andry Rajoelina,” said Jean Paul Rakotozafy, 72, while queuing.
The WHO has warned against unproven home therapies.
“While some western, traditional, or home remedies may provide comfort and alleviate the symptoms of COVID-19, there is no evidence that current medicine can prevent or cure the disease,” he said in an emailed statement to AFP.
He added that there are “several ongoing clinical trials” of western and traditional drugs.
The homemade “remedy” was launched as the containment measures were progressively lifted. The president said the blockade was alleviated because a “coronavirus solution” had been found.
Public transport resumed in Antananarivo on Monday and schools reopened on Wednesday.
Some children received a cup of Covid-Organics in class.
“Of course, each parent is free not to allow their child to take it,” said Chief of Staff Ranoramoro.
“For now, no one has objected.”
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