The Zimbabwe government has approved the clinical testing of anti-parasite drug Ivermectin to establish its effectiveness in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic, APA learnt here on Friday.
In a memo to the Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ), Ministry of Health acting permanent secretary Robert Mudyiradima said the MCAZ should authorise the importation and use of Ivermectin under strict guidelines.
Mudyiradima said the decision to allow the controlled importation and use of the drug was taken following realisation that “we have to be careful to protect patients as well as not to deny them effective treatment regimes.”
“It is in this regard, the authority is hereby granted for you to proceed to allow importation and use of these medicines under the supervision and guidance you outlined,” he said.
The decision to allow the clinical testing of the drug follows reports by the country’s doctors that Ivermectin, which is used to treat many types of parasite infestations in animals, and Nanosilver, used for antibacterial and antifungal purposes in water treatment, have shown positive results in the past five months.
Ivermectin is, however, not registered in Zimbabwe and doctors have to complete forms for special exemption to use unregistered medicine each every time they use it.
Ivermectin is a medication used to treat many types of parasite infestations such as head lice, scabies and river blindness.
It is also used in veterinary medicine where it is given to animals to prevent and treat heartworm and acariasis, among other diseases.
JN/APA