Health Minister Dr Zweli Mkhize says South Africa is willing to assist in scientific research being conducted in Madagascar, looking into a herbal remedy to combat COVID-19. Courtesy #DStv403
JOHANNESBURG - South Africa is willing to assist in scientific research being conducted in Madagascar, looking into a herbal remedy to combat COVID-19.
Health Minister Dr Zweli Mkhize, confirmed that the Madagascar Health Ministry has been in touch with SA.
“We actually did get a call from the government of Madagascar. They did ask us that they would like to be assisted in the process of trying to validate and try and help to investigate the scientific basis on which such a drug could be used,” said Mkhize.
“I had a call with the Foreign Affairs of Madagascar and they had been a call from the President and we then said our scientific research institutions will be willing to support an analysis...on that matter, he added.
This comes after Madagascar said Artemisia annua, also known as sweet wormwood, could possibly be used in the treatment against COVID-19.
READ: People caught without masks forced to sweep streets in Madagascar
Meanwhile, the World Health Organization (WHO) says that medicinal plants touted as possible treatments for COVID-19, should be tested for efficacy and side effects.
The number of confirmed coronavirus cases worldwide is over 3.5-million, with over 250,000 deaths.
The number of recoveries is at 1.2-million.
