OFFICIALS in Tanzania have decided to solve the COVID-19 pandemic problem with a unique local product, signalling plans to use local herbs for protection against the disease, rather than any of the rapidly expanding range of vaccines.
Gerald Chamii, a spokesman for the Tanzanian Ministry of Health told local newspaper the EastAfrican that "there are no plans in place yet for importing a vaccine for COVID-19".
"Our health experts and scientists are still researching and undergoing clinical trials for the local herbs," he added.
Official government figures continue to insist the country has minimal infection rates, with President John Pombe Magufuli previously declaring Tanzania as COVID-free.
No restrictions, border closures or other measures have been implemented to control the spread of the virus, despite other countries including the USA warning their citizens against travelling to the region.
Tanzania isn't the only country in Africa to go it alone when it comes to combating coronavirus, with authorities in Madagascar also believed to be persisting with trials of "Covid-Organics," a product based on artemisia annua (PD 23 Sep).
The push has seen the price of the plant more than double in some parts of the continent, where roadside vendors have been heavily promoting it to treat COVID-19 - apparently with little success if surging case numbers are any indication.
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