PHASE three trials have been approved for African traditional remedies whose proponents claim they can help treat COVID-19.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has published rules for the trials, saying "sound science" would be the only basis on which herbal therapies are authorised.
The move follows claims by Andry Rajoelina, the President of Madagascar, who has been touting a concoction called "Covid-Organics".
The product is made by the Malagasy Institute of Applied Research and is based on the artemisia plant.
Such is Rajoelina's enthusiasm for the nostrum is such that it has even been offered to local schoolchildren for the last four months as a preventative measure.
Despite the availablity oft the remedy, the BBC reports that hospitals in the island nation have been struggling to deal with a surge in COVID-19 cases.
The WHO said the pandemic had "highlighted the need for strengthened health systems and accelerated R&D programs, including on traditional medicines."
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