Fight over new Covid drug

Doctors are divided over the use of Ivermectin with some saying that its use could be lethal while others are saying its worth trying.

This comes after Government granted the College of Primary Care Physicians of Zimbabwe controlled use of the drug, taking a cue from countries like South Africa, which have since authorised its use.

Mpilo Hospital's Solwayo Ngwenya said the drug will cause more confusion as it has not been tested and proven to be safe. However the Senior Hospital Doctors Association secretary general Aaron Musara said Ivermectin had proved to be successful for other uses in the past 30 years and does not have any side effects when used on humans.

Government recently approved mass importation of the veterinary anti-parasitic drug, Ivermectin, as it battles the second wave of COVID-19 infections which have rattled President Emmerson Mnangagwa's administration after killing five government ministers.

"Ivermectin can be evaluated for both treatment and prophylaxis (prevention)."

Health deputy minister John Mangwiro was not reachable to clarify the matter. COVID-19 chief co-ordinator in the President's Office, Agnes Mahomva, was also not reachable.

Jasper Chimedza, the Health secretary, was not picking calls.