ADDIS ABABA, July 22 (NNN-AGENCIES) — As of July 21, confirmed COVID-19 cases total from 55 African countries has reached 736,587.
Reported deaths in Africa have reached 15,424 and recoveries 389,314.
South Africa has the most reported cases – 373,628, with deaths numbering 5,173. Other most-affected countries include Egypt (88,402 cases), Nigeria (37,225), Algeria (23,691), and Ghana (28,430).
The numbers are compiled by the Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) at Johns Hopkins University (world map) using statistics from the World Health Organization and other international institutions as well national and regional public health departments.
Meanwhile, the authorities in Nigeria say it could not find evidence in the tests that it had done so far that Covid-Organics, Madagascar’s herbal tonic touted as a coronavirus cure, actually works.
But officials at Nigeria’s National Institute of Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD), who analysed the product, say its tests were not exhaustive.
In May, bottles of Covid Organics were given to Nigeria and several other African countries by Madagascar, but President Muhammadu Buhari said he would not sanction its use in his country until it had been approved by the relevant health agencies.
The World Health Organization (WHO) had also said that there was no proof of a cure for COVID-19 after Madagascar’s President Andry Rajoelina launched the herbal mixture, which is produced from the artemisia plant – the source of an ingredient used in a malaria treatment – and other Malagasy plants.
“This investigation revealed that the product had some effect in helping mucus expectoration from the trachea (helping people cough out) and also reduced fever in the animals it was tested on,” Dr Obi Adigwe, head of NIPRD said.
But he said the NIPRD had advised the Nigerian government that it could not find any evidence to support the claim that the product can be used to prevent or cure Covid-19.
“If we had time and resources, it is possible that we could still find some evidence,” Dr Adigwe said.
Nigeria has now recorded more than 37,000 cases of the coronavirus and over 800 people have died.
The ban on international flights may be lifted before October, the Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, has said.
Although the minister denied claims that international flights were slated to resume October, Sirika added that the Nigerian Airspace Management Authority has issued a Notice to Airmen to this effect.
Sirika added that the date for the resumption would be announced after consultation with necessary stakeholders including the Ministries of Health and Foreign Affairs and the Presidential Task Force on Covid-19. — NNN-AGENCIES
