WHO warns against use of ivermectin to treat Covid-19

The Health Minister of Goa recently recommended the use of “Ivermectin” to all people above the age of eighteen years. However, the World Health Organisation has warned against its use now.

What did the Goa Government say?

The Government of Goa recently cleared a new COVID-19 Treatment Protocol. Under the protocol, the Government had recommended the use of “Ivermectin” drug. It was prescribed to prevent viral fever that accompanies COVID-19 infection.

The Government also announced that the Ivermectin drug will be available in all health centres in the state. Also, it was recommended that it shall be taken by all the residents irrespective of whether they have COVID-19 symptoms or not.

What is WHO saying?

A peer-reviewed research claims that continuous use of Ivermectin ends COVID-19. Also, it reduces the risk of contracting the deadly respiratory disease if used regularly. The review was done by three senior scientists working for the US Government.

To this, the World Health Organisation Chief Scientist Soumya Swaminathan has said that WHO recommends against the use of Ivermectin.

What is the issue?

Apart from WHO, the German health care has also warned against the use of Ivermectin for COVID-19 treatment. These organisations are warning against the drug as there is no sufficient data or meaningful evidences for its clinical efficacy in patients.

The Goa Government also said that there has been large significant statistical proof for reduction in mortality in COVID patients treated with the drug. This has created the controversy.

Conclusion

The Government of India had recommended that the drugs that have been approved or recommended by USFDA and European Medical Agency shall be used in India. In April 2021, USFDA recommended against the use of Ivermectin in treating COVID patients.

This order of using drugs approved by key agencies was passed on April 13, 2021.

Month: Current Affairs - May, 2021