In the last two weeks, a year after the arrival of Covid-19 in Madagascar, the country has experienced the second wave of the epidemic. But the government does not take a stand on the vaccine and the Covax operation and prefers to rely on Covid organic substances, the artemisia-based remedy launched by Andry Rajoelina a year ago.
as reported from Antananarivo,Laure Verneau
The situation is worse than last year at the same time. The Big Island is experiencing an increase in severe cases that require oxygenation. This is what doctors at hospitals in several cities across the country say.
“We are overwhelmed by severe cases of coronavirus,” said Willy René, a specialist at Androva Hospital in Mahajunga on the west coast. He warns that his hospital will soon run out of oxygen.
For his part, Deputy Roland Ratsirakade, the city of Tamatave on the east coast, sounded the alarm for a month and described understaffed carers and defective equipment.
“No decision taken”
However, Madagascar’s position on the vaccine is not moving. The country has not yet applied for the Covax facility. “Madagascar is closely monitoring developments in vaccination campaigns around the world,” said Lova Hasinirina, director of the presidency’s cabinet. We have not made a decision on this yet, but we are not against the vaccine. The state’s priority is to save lives and provide answers adapted to the situation in Madagascar. ”
Lova Hasinirina also recalls that “the AstraZeneca vaccine has been suspended from use in certain European countries because of significant side effects.”
Petition for access to vaccine
So far, the government prefers to encourage the population to take Tambavy CVO and CVO Plus, an herbal tea of artemisia annua and herbal capsules, respectively, to boost immunity.
In the last two weeks, however, a petition addressed to Health Minister and President of the Republic Andry Rajoelina has been circulating online to request access to the anti-Covid-19 vaccine for Madagascar and Big Island residents. 21,826 coronavirus cases and 337 deaths.
►Read also: Covid-19 in Madagascar: civil society calls on authorities for vaccines
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