As cases of the novel coronavirus continue to rise in Africa, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has warned against reliance on traditional medicine, a common response by some Africans to ailments. It is not uncommon for African citizens including Rwandans to turn to traditional or herbal medication to treat ailments. The traditional medication is often in the form of herbs and is common for both urban and rural dwellers. However, the WHO has warned against administration of traditional medication in the treatment and prevention of the novel coronavirus, saying that studies are yet to prove their efficacy. “For the moment, we are not able to recommend traditional medicines, because there have been no studies to see if they are efficacious,” Dr. Matshidiso Moeti WHO’s Office for Africa said over the weekend. In recent weeks since the outbreak of the pandemic, multiple traditional cures and medication have been prescribed and shared including rare herbs, traditional concoctions as well as animal body parts such as bile. Dr. Moeti, the WHO Regional Director for Africa, said that there is still a window for African countries to halt the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic through public health interventions. The World Health Organisation also warned against myths such as drinking alcohol protects against the virus.
