WHO Endorses Protocol For Virus Herbal Medicine Trials
Fahad Shabbir (@FahadShabbir) Published September 20, 2020 | 01:40 AM
Brazzaville, Sept 19 (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 20th Sep, 2020 ) :The World Health Organization endorsed Saturday a protocol for testing African herbal medicines as potential treatments for the coronavirus and other epidemics.
Covid-19 has raised the issue of using traditional medicines to battle contemporary diseases, and the endorsement clearly encouraged testing with criteria similar to those used for molecules developed by labs in Asia, Europe or the Americas.
It came months after a bid by the president of Madagascar to promote a drink based on artemisia, a plant with proven efficacy in malaria treatment, was met with widespread scorn.
On Saturday, WHO experts and colleagues from two other organisations "endorsed a protocol for phase III clinical trials of herbal medicine for Covid-19 as well as a charter and terms of reference for the establishment of a data and safety monitoring board for herbal medicine clinical trials," a statement said.
"Phase III clinical trials are pivotal in fully assessing the safety and efficacy of a new medical product," it noted.
"If a traditional medicine product is found to be safe, efficacious and quality-assured, WHO will recommend (it) for a fast-tracked, large-scale local manufacturing," Prosper Tumusiime, a regional WHO director, was quoted as saying.
WHO's partners are the Africa Centre for Disease Control and Prevention and the African Union Commission for Social Affairs.
"The onset of Covid-19, like the Ebola outbreak in West Africa, has highlighted the need for strengthened health systems and accelerated research and development programmes, including on traditional medicines," Tumusiime said.
He did not refer specifically to the Madagascar drink Covid-Organics, also called CVO, that President Andry Rajoelina has pitched as a cure for the virus, however.
It has has been widely distributed in Madagascar and sold to several other countries, mainly in Africa.
In May, WHO Africa Director Matshidiso Moeti told media that African governments had committed in 2000 to taking "traditional therapies" through the same clinical trials as other medication.
"I can understand the need, the drive to find something that can help," Moeti said. "But we would very much like to encourage this scientific process in which the governments themselves made a commitment."
Recent Stories
Badar Shahbaz Warraich appointed as PM’s media coordinator
Finance Minister rules out rupee devaluation in talks with IMF
National team determined for good performance against New Zealand: Babar Azam
Currency Rate In Pakistan - Dollar, Euro, Pound, Riyal Rates On 18 April 2024
Today Gold Rate in Pakistan 18 April 2024
Saka and Odegaard start for Arsenal, Guerreiro in Bayern midfield
Qatar PM says re-evaluating Israel-Hamas mediation role
Govt spokesperson terms allegations of PTI's Marwat against Saudi Arabia 'heinou ..
Minister appreciate UAE’s support for Pakistan economic challenges
Manchester City v Real Madrid Champions League starting line-ups
MIGA's support Pakistan in attracting foreign investments: Federal Minister for ..
Walker returns to captain Man City for Real Madrid clash
More Stories From Miscellaneous
-
Amjad Bobby remembered on 19th death anniversary for timeless contributions to music
3 days ago -
Legendary actor Nadeem’s 26 films released on Eid-ul-Fitr days in 50 years
4 days ago -
Besant Hall Cultural Centre to celebrate evening with Sanam Marvi on 26 April
4 days ago -
Radio Bahawalpur presents program “Eidi Shidi”
7 days ago -
Radio Bahawalpur to broadcast Eid programs
9 days ago -
DC, DPO Haripur inspect bus terminals to review fares compliance
11 days ago
-
Second phase of refugees’ repatriation to start after Eidul Fitr vacations
11 days ago -
Reaping bounties as Ramazan culminates
11 days ago -
Digital transformation – a boon or bane
11 days ago -
Plants’ business: Another casualty of climate change
13 days ago -
Eid shoppers prioritize children’s joy over personal comforts
13 days ago -
Besant Hall Cultural Centre honoring Pir Hassam din Rashdi to take place on April 1
18 days ago