Minister of State for Health, Olorunnimbe Mamora, has warned against the use of herbal products among Nigerians in protecting themselves from coronavirus (Covid-19).
Mamora said in Abuja on his appearance at the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) Forum that Nigerians should not panic but be “ruled by facts.”
“There have been so many claims by some Nigerians that bitter kola can be used to cure coronavirus,” he said.
“It is true that bitter kola has anti-viral properties, but I am not sure how the anti-viral properties affect coronavirus.
“I have also heard of garlic, lemon, palm wine and even chloroquine. We caution against the use of so many herbal drugs because science has a basis and there is a procedural process to laying claims to whatever.”
The minister said the best prevention was to practice good personal hygiene by washing hands under running tap water with soap or ash, as well as the steady use of hand sanitisers.
He said Nigeria’s borders would not be closed because the World Health Organisation (WHO) had not recommended the closure.
“The Federal Government will definitely close any gap if there is, and also strengthen the system to achieve the country’s goals,” he said.
Mamora added that Lassa fever, another deadly contagious disease, had reduced in the country.
“There are three functional control centres in Edo, Ebonyi and Ondo. The country has the capacity to manage Lassa fever. More people are recovering from it,” he said.
He urged the public to practice good hygiene and cover their foods properly.
