Some Nigerians insist that considering current challenges of procuring conventional medicine, isn’t it time government advanced herbal cures to contain the ruthless new variants of COVID-19?The Federal Ministry of Health had assured that only a handful of COVID-19 vaccine would arrive late January. But last week, the Nigeria Governor’s Forum announced a new arrival time of February ending, even with some element of probability.
In response to why government is yet to try this on COVID-19, the NNMDA boss blames it on lack of political will on the part of government. Must herbal medicines go through clinical trials, a major hurdle, before they are used? Odukoya said not all herbal medicines will go through clinical trials as some will be used as adaptogens.
A virologist and chairman, Expert Review Committee on COVID-19, Prof. Oyewale Tomori, told The Guardian: “Herbal medicine could be relevant in the clinical aspects of managing COVID-19, especially in indirectly assisting or fortifying the body to overcome infections.“Many of the products serve as immune boosters improving the body’s ability to combat diseases, and not necessarily as having direct effect on the COVID-19 virus itself.
On the way forward, Tomori said: “Invest in science and technology, build a solid base for scientific training from primary school upwards, massively fund research and encourage industry to participate in sustaining the foundation for research and technological development of our nation. The government should pay a strong attention to making research, science and technology as the tripod for our advancement from underdeveloped to a developed nation status.