Beware potentially lethal ‘cure’ claims
Fake and bogus cure claims are a longstanding, but neglected public health problem.
During the Spanish flu, cure claims generated a false sense of safety that drove hundreds to defy closures and isolation. In the US, scores of bogus remedies alleging to cure the flu were sold under upbeat labels that undermined preventive action.
In Nigeria, for instance, as early as the ’90s, Jeremiah Abalaka, a surgeon with fringe training in immunology, startled the world with his HIV cure claim. Many of the HIV patients who flocked to his private clinic reportedly died.
More recently, during both the ebola and SARS epidemics, fake cure claims also circulated freely, with lethal consequences. Salt solution, snake venom, vitamin C, Nano Silver and some herbs were all touted as cures for ebola. At least two people died in Nigeria and about 20 more were hospitalised after drinking excessive amounts of salt solution to prevent ebola infection.
Sadly, history is repeating itself in the context of Covid-19. False claims range from US president Donald Trump’s touting of anti-malaria drug hydroxychloroquine as a miracle cure, to Madagascar’s herbal “cure” promoted by President Andry Rajoelina.
In Ghana, a pastor sold “Coronavirus Oil”, telling a packed church that it was effective against Covid-19.
An American pastor also recently directed viewers to buy Optivida Silver Solution. Its promoter had falsely claimed the product was government-approved and has killed every pathogen it has ever been tested on, including SARS and HIV.
At least 300 Iranians have died from methanol poisoning after consuming alcohol to prevent Covid-19. Hours after Trump declared hydroxychloroquine as a miracle cure, people overdosed on it in Africa and Asia.
Governments must also implement community health outreach programmes that communicate clearly. Such programmes should have fit-for-purpose feedback to enable lay persons to raise concerns, ask questions and swiftly receive answers.
Part of the success recorded in Nigeria during the ebola outbreak was attributed to the use of different media, including government-sponsored TV and radio messages, town-criers, social media campaigns, and experts to communicate information to citizens.
Countries and national health bodies must integrate traditional healers, faith leaders and community principals in response strategies.
Izugbara is director, Global Health, Youth and Development at the International Centre for Research on Women
Obiyan is a lecturer at Obafemi Awolowo University in Nigeria
Republished from The Conversation