Traditional Medicine Trials for COVID-19 in Africa

The World Health Organization (WHO) and Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) have launched an advisory panel to support research and development of traditional treatments for COVID-19 on the African continent. The 25-member committee will support efforts to conduct clinical trials of traditional medicines in compliance with international standards.

Traditional medicine has long played an important role in healthcare throughout Africa. WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, says interest in traditional remedies for COVID-19 is strong. “As the world races to find treatment and vaccines against the virus, research into traditional and orthodox medicines as potential COVID-19 therapy must be grounded in science.”

Committee members, who will guide countries on clinical trials, include representatives from research institutions, regulatory authorities, public health departments, traditional medicine programs, and academia.

Director of Africa CDC and WHO Special Envoy on COVID-19, Dr. John Nkengasong, says that “rigorous clinical testing to evaluate safety and efficacy” will be critical to the work of the panel.