DESPERATE INDIA TURNS TO ILLEGITIMATE DRUG

Several States in India have been turning to the drug Ivermectin to manage spiraling Covid-19 numbers.  However, the World Health Organization says the effects of Ivermectin on mortality, mechanical ventilation, hospital admission and viral clearance is inconclusive.

Closer to home, the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) says it does not approve of the use of Ivermectin for the treatment of COVID-19 outside of well-regulated clinical trials.

CARPHA says its stance is based on the limited evidence available showing a favourable ‘benefit- risk ratio’ for treating COVID patients.

The WHO advises the drug be used only within clinical trials.

And CARPHA’s Executive Director Dr. Joy St. John says member states should heed the advice of the WHO despite some countries using the drug to treat COVID- 19.