THE WHO COMMENTS ON TRADITIONAL MEDICINE AND COVID-19

The World Health Organization (WHO) welcomes the use of traditional medicines, including ones against COVID-19, but they must pass the same rigorous tests for effectiveness and safety as any other new medications.

The WHO recognizes the role of this ancient traditional and alternative medicine. Thus, with the financial and expert support of the WHO, 89 drugs that are based on traditional medicines have been approved in 14 African countries over the past 20 years. All of them have been certified both nationally and internationally. Among them are drugs against malaria, diabetes, hypertension, anemia and diseases associated with HIV infection.

A number of traditional medicines, such as Artemisia annua (a species of wormwood), are now being considered among various candidates for the treatment of COVID-19. But first they need to be tested for effectiveness and the likelihood of side effects. The WHO emphasizes that any traditional medicine must undergo the same rigorous clinical trials as any other medicines.The organization is supporting research institutes in African countries in the selection of traditional medicines that could be tested for effectiveness against the coronavirus.

The authorities of these countries are considering how to facilitate traditional healers in the fight against the pandemic in terms of infection prevention, early detection and control of its spread. It is also important that they refer people with suspected COVID-19 to medical facilities.

At the same time, the WHO warns against the use of "natural" remedies that have not been tested for effectiveness and safety; Many of them are advertised on social media. But, the so-called "cures" for COVID-19 that are not approved by experts can pose health risks. By trusting these unproven remedies, people tend to become complacent and stop taking precautions, such as washing hands and maintaining physical distance.

The WHO recalls that back in 2000, African countries agreed that any traditional medicines, before being approved by the relevant departments, must pass tests and clinical trials that comply with existing international standards and protocols. Such studies can take several months even with hundreds of assigned specialists.

Nevertheless, the WHO welcomes any opportunity for cooperation in order to find new effective drugs that are so needed not only in African countries, but throughout the world.