The ECOWAS Commission had denied the reports that its health institution, West African Health Organisation had ordered medicine developed by the Malagasy Institute of Applied Research, Madagascar, for COVID-19 treatment.
The regional body affirmed that it was aware that several COVID-19 cures had been claimed to have been made in a different part of the world. It added that it could endorse only proven effective drugs through scientific study.
Madagascar before now had boosted organic as a cure for the coronavirus disease. President Andry Rajoelina had celebrated the herbal medicine at an African Union gathering. The organic is said to contain artemisia.
The ECOWAS Commission on Thursday in a statement in Abuja said WAHO is collaborating with relevant partners to promote the scientific search for a cure. It said its partners include the World Health Organization, African Centre for Disease Control as well as national, regional and international research consortia.
It also added that WAHO is committed to promoting regional traditional medicine practices and products in the region.
It is said that the institution had over the years worked consistently with the Members States to investigate proven efficacy that is scientifically investigated
The commission also added that such products were documented in ECOWAS Pharmacopoeia of the Traditional Medicines, stating that the second edition of which will be published in the next few weeks.
The statement read in part, “We wish to dissociate ECOWAS and its health institution, West Africa Health Organization from this claim, and to inform the general public that we have not ordered the said CVO medication.
“We are working with member states on some of the medications available for clinical trials and use on a compassionate basis in selected severe cases.
“Some of the traditional medicine centers of excellence in the ECOWAS region are also currently investigating products of potential efficacy.”
