Unarmed Madagascar soldiers went door-to-door in the capital Antananarivo, doling out sachets of a local herbal tea touted by President Andry Rajoelina as a powerful remedy against the novel coronavirus.

Baptised COVID-Organics, the tonic is derived from artemisia — a plant with proven efficacy in treating malaria — as well as other indigenous herbs.

It has been developed by the Madagascar Institute of Applied Research (IMRA) but has not been tested internationally.

“This herbal tea gives results in seven days,” Rajoelina announced at its official launch on Tuesday.

“We can change the history of the entire world,” he said, after downing a dose. “Two people have now been cured by this treatment.”

Mainstream scientists have warned of the potential risk from untested herbal brews.

There is currently no known cure for coronavirus, which has infected at least 121 people in Madagascar and more than 2.6 million worldwide.

Yet military officials on the Indian Ocean island nation say the infusion would be better than nothing.

“It will strengthen immunity,” said military doctor Colonel Willy Ratovondrainy on state television, as troops launched a mass distribution campaign.

In pairs, soldiers followed people through Antananarivo’s narrow alleyways into their homes.

“Good morning, we are here to distribute the COVID-Organics tea,” one of them said.

Jean-Louis Rakotonandrasana gratefully accepted the free packet of herbs.

“We are eager to try this infusion since we saw president Rajoelina drink it on television,” the 58-year-old said.

Most of Madagascar’s 26 million inhabitants live in grinding poverty with limited access to healthcare and regularly take herbal teas for a variety of common ailments.

‘I think it’s great’
“I think it’s great,” said Dominique Rabefarihy, clutching a sachet of COVID-Organics in the poor Ankazomanga neighbourhood.

“It reassures me that soldiers are watching out for my family’s health and security,” the housewife said.

Madagascar deployed the army last month to help enforce a lockdown in its three main cities to curb the spread of COVID-19.

Soldiers who set up roadblocks and patrolled streets are now making sure everyone receives a sachet of the infusion and instructions for use.

“One infusion goes into four litres 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 there have been no recorded deaths so far.

But the country’s fragile healthcare system would easily be swamped by a surge in cases and authorities are banking on prevention.

Their aim is to raise awareness about the virus and strengthen people’s immune systems.

“We highly recommend taking this plant-based infusion,” said presidential cabinet head Lova Ranoramoro.

‘Ready-to-drink’
COVID-Organics is set to be distributed across the island, with a particular focus on the worst-affected cities of Antananarivo, Fianarantsoa and Toamasina.

Fixed collection points have also been set up in the capital.

Ignoring social distancing cues, a crowd gathered around a kiosk, lining up for the so-called “miracle drink”, being decanted into recycled water and soda plastic bottles.

“Here a ready-to-drink liquid version is available for everyone,” said municipal representative Rufin Rafanomezantsoa.

“As long as the WHO (World Health Organization) cannot provide any medicine to cure this disease, I trust President Andry Rajoelina’s proposed remedy,” said Jean Paul Rakotozafy, 72, as he queued up.

The WHO has cautioned against untested home therapies.

“While some western, traditional or home remedies may provide comfort and alleviate symptoms of COVID-19, there is no evidence that current medicine can prevent or cure the disease,” it said in an emailed statement to AFP.

It added that there are “several ongoing clinical trials” of both western and traditional medicines.

The homespun “remedy” was launched as confinement measures were progressively lifted. The president said the lockdown was eased because a “solution against coronavirus” had been found.

Public transport resumed in Antananarivo on Monday and schools re-opened on Wednesday.

Some children were given a cup of COVID-Organics in class.

“Of course each parent is free not to allow their child to take it,” said the cabinet chief Ranoramoro.

“For now, no one has objected.”

https://m.guardian.ng/news/madagascar-hands-out-miracle-virus-cure-as-it-lifts-lockdown/

If this truly works...I hope world cabal won't seek to discredit it for selfish reasons

I hope it works

Even if this proves effective, watch how the WHO would be quick to label it ineffective. It would be deemed a disgrace to the self acclaimed superior world powers if the cure for the mighty Covid-19 comes from "the Dark waters of Africa"

I wont say anything.. but if you have been to madagascar, you will know it is assistant north korea and healthcare is for only the rich.. i see corona killing them massively from 2 weeks time..

From the look of things and the way so many countries dey drag who will be at the top...I will not be wrong if I say that this particular medicine might be rejected because it's not from either USA or Britain but that not withstanding...I pray it works out

Corp should end soon pls

Let's be sincere with ourselves, the cure for Covid-19 can never come from Africa.

You just can't mix some liquids and tag it coronavirus medicine and expect the world to accept it. If chloroquine, ampicillin, paracetamol and other globally accepted medicines were produced in this crude manner, a lot of us would have died from unknown contraindications or side effects.

It takes rigorous testing across subjects drawn from major races (white and black), genders, age groups, health status (e.g. pregnant women, those with ulcer, HIV, and other underlying health issues etc.) to authentic the efficacy, understand the pharmacology, and highlight or eliminate (if possible) all contraindications and side effects. This is beyond the capability of Madagascar or some other crude countries.

I don't like it when people dwell on self-deceit. It makes you waste your life on rumour, senseless pessimism, and "impossible impossibilities."

Not everything you see on Google should be read.

I know the WHO won't like it

Everyone recovered in Madagascar.

iyimide:
I wont say anything.. but if you have been to madagascar, you will know it is assistant north korea and healthcare is for only the rich.. i see corona killing them massively from 2 weeks time..

you will be very wrong ..

Acidosis:
Let's be sincere with ourselves, the cure for Covid-19 can never come from Africa.

You just can't mix some liquids and tag it coronavirus medicine and expect the world to accept it. If chloroquine, ampicillin, paracetamol and other globally accepted medicines were produced in this crude manner, a lot of us would have died from unknown contraindications or side effects.

It takes rigorous testing across subjects drawn from major races (white and black), genders, age groups, health status (e.g. pregnant women, those with ulcer, HIV, and other underlying health issues etc.) to authentic the efficacy, understand the pharmacology, and highlight or eliminate (if possible) all contraindications and side effects. This is beyond the capability of Madagascar or some other crude countries.

I don't like it when people dwell on self-deceit. It makes you waste your life on rumour, senseless pessimism, and "impossible impossibilities."

Not everything you see on Google should be read.

did you read the news today about Gilead's drug Remdesivir , its said to show promise in treating the virus , WHO suddenly sent a report today that the drug failed even when testing was not concluded , then they withdrew the report .
It looks like there is a master plan on controlling the solution ,, I strongly pray with all my heart that Madagascars covid organics is the solution ,

I will comment when it reach front page

Baptized covid organic if it is baptized truly with d the spirit of God is complete.

Hope it truly works.

Little wonder many Nigerian herbalists have been giving their herbal concoction remedy, but no one is listening to them. Even Oba Enitan (Ojaja II) has said same.

Working nation.. They went back to their grassroots.. But the Tortoise of Africa(Nigeria) is still waiting for handouts from western nations. When they can go local to source for answers..... What am. I even saying sef.. A nation where the lawmakers prefer Toyota to their home based cars Innoson...a nation that doesn't belive in its own.. Tueh to the Tortoise of Africa

Herbal all the way

They discovered what they thought would keep them immune... ofcourse no one would tag their discovery a 'cure' until the super powers declare one....
But we're in a deep shit if we're waiting for a declared cure from WHO

Acidosis:
Let's be sincere with ourselves, the cure for Covid-19 can never come from Africa.

You just can't mix some liquids and tag it coronavirus medicine and expect the world to accept it. If chloroquine, ampicillin, paracetamol and other globally accepted medicines were produced in this crude manner, a lot of us would have died from unknown contraindications or side effects.
I don't like it when people dwell on self-deceit. It makes you waste your life on rumour, senseless pessimism, and "impossible impossibilities."

Not everything you see on Google should be read.

Please any positive solution will be welcomed.

Whether it is herb or medicine, as long as it works the world will appreciate it.

More grease to the elbows of those truly working on a positive solution.

State sponsored Stupidity.

Hmmm