Three out of the numerous claims of COVID-19 local herbal cure have been sent to relevant authorities for further investigation and validation, the Federal Government has revealed.
The validation was made by the Federal Ministry of Health after holding a virtual meeting with Nigerian researchers and scientists.
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) and Chairman, Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19, Boss Mustapha, disclosed this on Wednesday in Abuja at the 36th joint national briefing of the task force.
He said “the decision to meet with the researchers was also prompted by the incidents of mysterious deaths in Kano and some other cities.
“The occurrences in Kano and some other cities have given cause to launch our research initiatives using existing structures and systems in a manner that will build a legacy and prepare Nigeria for any future pandemic.
“As a measure of the importance attached to research and development of local capacity for finding a cure for COVID-19, the Federal Ministry of health held a virtual meeting with a number of researchers and scientists with claims to cure COVID-19.
“Out of the numerous claims, three were found to deserve further investigation and we have forwarded them to the relevant authorities for appropriate review.”
According to the SGF, efforts are also being made to meet inventors of locally fabricated COVID-19 equipment.
He added that the PTF and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) is willing to support research efforts. while urging researchers to take up the challenge and come forward with their innovations.