Nice prompt report, shame about the final section:
"'Alternative' Medicine 'Alternative' medicines should be allowed, as long as there is a clear caveat that there is no evidence they cure COVID-19. Whilst they may not be curative they can have general health benefits like strengthening immunity. Alternative medicines are part of the Nigerian cultural zeitgeist; they are only 'alternatives' to the West. Finally, a driver for the use of traditional medicine is desperation. The extension of the lockdown by two weeks (till May 11) will worsen a sense of hopelessness for many. It may be useful for morale to let people take traditional medicines that are relatively harmless, so that they feel some sense of control over the situation."
Why is the original medicine known to Africans being referred to as the 'alter-native'? It is the western medicine that should be alter/native while indigenous knowledge systems should be the original. Why the 'caveat' that indigenous medicine should only be used if it is made clear that it is 'not a cure for COVID-19?' There is no cure anywhere yet and so even if it is only palliative care that is promised, the cave(at) is prejudicial. Why is traditional medicine being referred as 'desperation' compared to the injection of disinfectants into the body? Why recommend traditional medicine only if it is 'relatively harmless' when every drug or herb has side-effects to be studied under clinical trials conditions?
One of the hypotheses that I suggested as part of the indigenous knowledge system interventions, opening the windows and letting in fresh air, in addition to periodic fasting, is now being chorused by architects and public health experts as one of the best interventions to prevent the transmission of airborne infections and care for the patients. It is a free remedy with no side-effects and CDD should recommend it especially during the lockdown. Google it and thank me later.
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Biko
On Saturday, 2 May 2020, 05:07:06 GMT-4, Toyin Falola <toyinfalola@austin.utexas.edu> wrote:
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