Zimbabweans Warned Against Using Ivermectin To Cure Corona

The Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ) has warned members of the public against using ivermectin — a drug used to kill parasites in animals — to treat COVID-19.

In a statement on Friday, acting director-general of MCAZ Richard Rukwata strongly warned people against using the drug saying the use of unapproved medicines can lead to negative health problems, worsening of your condition or even death. He said:

In view of the growing number of inquiries and reports received concerning the use of veterinary ivermectin injection for the prevention or treatment of Covid-19, the Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwean is strongly advising members of the public, veterinary medicines general dealers and healthcare practitioners against the use of veterinary formulations of ivermectin injection in humans for the prevention or treatment of Covid- 19, or any other health condition.

The Authority, therefore, recommends that patients and healthcare providers use standard treatment guidelines and protocols approved by the Ministry of Health and Child Care as guided by the World Health Organisation.

Quacks (fraudulent pretenders to medical skill) have been touting various concoctions for the treatment of COVID-19 since the disease became a pandemic.

It was, however, only recently that a few vaccines have approved for use by the World Health Organisation (WHO).