Authorities implored to recommend ivermectin for the treatment of COVID-19 with third wave looming

12 May 2021

The civil rights organisation AfriForum and the I can make a difference group of doctors today sent an urgent letter to various health authorities imploring them to recommend ivermectin for the treatment of COVID-19 in the light of evidence indicating that the next wave of COVID-19 infections has started in South Africa. The letter was addressed to the Ministerial Advisory Committee on COVID-19, the Department of Health, the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) and Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Health.

Recent events that prompted this action by the civil organisations, are as follows:

India, the second most populous country in the world, approved ivermectin for the treatment of COVID-19 and is seeing a drop in COVID-19 related deaths.

Zimbabwe approved ivermectin for the treatment of COVID-19 and is currently having great success against the pandemic.

A peer reviewed paper published in The American Journal of Therapeutics recommends that “ivermectin should be globally and systematically deployed in the prevention and treatment of COVID-19.”

Numerous epidemiological analyses of regions with ivermectin distribution campaigns clearly show a reduction in mortality due to COVID-19.

Ivermectin reduces viral replication and thereby reduces viral mutation that in turn reduces the risk of mutation getting out of control which will negatively impact the implementation of vaccines.

“Unprecedented times call for unprecedented measures. Well over a year into a global pandemic we are still working to develop effective treatments against COVID-19. What we do know for certain is that it will take years to vaccinate enough of the population to reach effective and safe immunity. In light of this, it is irresponsible to stand by and watch people die from COVID-19 knowing that there is a safe drug that can be added to their treatment protocol. The time has come for urgent review, with fresh and unbiased eyes, of the new data that has emerged regarding Ivermectin. The time has come to allow emergency use access of ivermectin and to make this cheap, safe and effective drug available and accessible to ALL citizens. Let us learn from countries like Zimbabwe. Let us not imitate the West. Let us set an example and quash this third wave in true South African style,” says doctor Naseeba Kathrada, founder of the I can make a difference group of doctors.

“The evidence clearly shows that ivermectin has a critical role to play in the fight against COVID-19. The time to act to stop preventable deaths and the destruction of lives and livelihoods through lockdowns is now. It is time to recommend ivermectin for the treatment of COVID-19,” says Barend Uys, Head of Research at AfriForum.

Statement issued by AfriForum and I can make a difference, 12 May 2021