Minister implored to consider new evidence and recommend ivermectin for COVID-19
25 June 2021
The civil rights organisation AfriForum and the I Can Make a Difference group of doctors today directed a letter to the acting Minister of Health. In the letter, the two organisations implore her to consider new evidence, to avoid a type II error decision and to take the necessary steps to recommend, promote and ensure prevention and effective early treatment of COVID-19. This includes the use of ivermectin (in combination with other substances as required) and by ensuring its availability.
This comes as the authorities are not taking any urgent action to practically promote and employ repurposed medicine for prophylaxis and early treatment of COVID-19. This despite the raging wave of COVID-19 infections and the Gauteng healthcare system experiencing severe pressure due to the increase in hospitalisations.
“The latest published evidence shows that 6 out of 10 lives can be saved by using ivermectin. The evidence is overwhelming. This is a well-known, inexpensive drug. It is also a safe drug – exactly what are we waiting for,” says Dr Naseeba Kathrada, founder of the I Can Make a Difference group of doctors.
The two organisations drew the minister’s attention to an article titled “Ivermectin for prevention and treatment of COVID-19 infection: A systematic review, meta-analysis, and trial sequential analysis to inform clinical guidelines” that was published online in the American Journal of Therapeutics on 19 June. The authors found that ivermectin reduced the risk of death by an average of 62% and probably reduces the risk of COVID-19 infection by an average of 86%. It concludes that