The health Ministry is yet to show interest in the use of the Tonic herbal treatment being used in Madagascar to treat COVID-19 despite other African countries opting for it.
The Madagascar herb called Artemisia is reported to have treated a number of patients successfully in the country.
Interestingly, the very herb has been spotted in most parts of the country besides being grown in Kabarole and Kabale districts.
In Uganda among the Batooro people, it is natively called Akeerurukara while the Bakonzho call it Akayibwe.
Dr. Diana Atwine, the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Health, says the Government has not yet considered the use of Madagascar’s herbal tonic for treating COVID-19.
Dr. Atwinenotes that even if the herbal plant is available in some parts of Uganda, there is no talk in the ministry or the government on using it to treat COVID-19.
She says the Ministry of Health has recommended the use of hydroxychloroquine and Malaria treatments coupled with supplements for COVID-19 patients.
However, Atwine, says the option is open to Ugandan scientists who wish to do research on the herb.
The World Health Organization- WHO has also dismissed the claims by Madagascar that the plant herb can cure patients of COVID-19.
However, the African Union-AU is in talks with Madagascar to obtain technical data on the herb.
Also, Tanzania and Guinea Bissau are considering importing the herb.
Meanwhile, Uganda has confirmed 101 cases of COVID -19,55 recoveries and Zero deaths as of Thursday evening.
The Ministry of Health says the latest case is of a 32-year-old male Tanzanian truck driver who entered Uganda from Tanzania via Mutukula border post.
He is part of 3,809 samples tested on Thursday, May 7 at the Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI).
In Africa 52,989 have been infected, 32,546 active cases, 18,425 recoveries, and 2,018 deaths.
