The World Health Organization (WHO) has urged people not to put their faith in local untested remedies for coronavirus.
The advice comes at a time when at least three African heads of state have said they are importing large quantities of a herbal tonic which the president of Madagascar claims can cure the virus.
But its efficacy has not been proven by scientific peer reviews, and even Madagascar's own national medical academy has cast doubt on it.
In a statement, the WHO says it welcomes the use of traditional medicines in the search for potential treatments but it warns that they must first be robustly tested.
Madagascar's President Andry Rajoelina launched a product based on the artemisia plant last month when it had been tested on fewer than 20 people.
He says clinical trials will start next week.
Latest Stories
-
Andre Ayew scores in Le Havre’s 3-3 draw with PSG
3 mins -
GPL 2023/24: Kotoko draw with Medeama; Samartex go 7 points clear of Nations FC
16 mins -
Mahama cuts sod for construction of new multipurpose Jakpa palace in Damongo
37 mins -
NSS management assists Papao fire victims
1 hour -
EXPLAINER: Will dumsor end soon?
2 hours -
IMANI Africa takes on EC, accuses it of lying and publishing half truths
3 hours -
Manasseh Azure calls for investigation and prosecution of those responsible for GRA/SML contract
3 hours -
Kwesi Atuahene: Ghana’s health capital depends on HealthTech – Africa Center for Digital Transformation
3 hours -
13 signs your wife is planning on leaving you and you have no idea
3 hours -
IMANI Africa: Ghana’s EC’s dangerous and pathological conduct
4 hours -
If I speak there will be fire – Salah on Klopp row
4 hours -
Grieving after divorce is normal, but this particular kind of grief isn’t
4 hours -
10 beautifully unexpected ways husbands proposed to their wives
4 hours -
Reality zone with Vicky Wireko: Painting Ghana purple: Be aware, May is month of mental health awareness
4 hours -
Prof Opoku-Agyemang’s integrity is admirable – Inusah Fuseini
5 hours