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THE HEALTH | AUGUST , 2021
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Looking for the wonder drug
Countries that have succeeded in reducing the rate of deaths should be seen as a prime example of the use of relevant drugs to achieve it
BY ADI SATRIA
AS THE world continues to be hit by the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic , besides vaccination , it continues to search for the miracle of a wonder drug to end this tragedy of mankind ’ s insatiable lust for power and wealth .
Malaysia ’ s efforts in controlling the spread of the virus does not seem to see any light at the end of the tunnel . The prolonged lockdowns have ironically actually increased the number of infections to five figures and the daily death toll has also hit the 200 mark .
The virus seems to be saying that not even a political emergency can stop its spread and it is as though it is giving the powers that be an excuse to hold on to their positions . Experts do not discount that the infections will continue as long as the rate of vaccination has not achieved its goal of herd immunity .
The new variants such as Delta are even more dangerous and the vaccination rate needs to be increased substantially from now on . Doctors , NGO ’ s and health activists have since the last one year , been advocating the use of Ivermectin as a key drug to use in early intervention for those who are infected .
Even without any drugs , 90 per cent of infected persons have successfully recovered , either at quarantine centres or at home . No drugs whatsoever were administered unless they had fever , which will be controlled by paracetamol . Those who recovered have a strong immunity system .
And in general , those who have health issues such as diabetes , high blood pressure , heart disease , asthma and general weaknesses are at risk of going into Stage 3 with pneumonia when they will have trouble breathing and require oxygen . At this stage too , many have survived but it puts a strain on the health facilities at hospitals .
For friends who are infected in Stage 1 , many resort to traditional herbs , fruits , vegetables and vitamins B , C and D3 as well as zinc tablets to strengthen their immune system . This is the stage of early intervention where Ivermectin can be administered daily under doctor ’ s prescription .
Expert views and peer reports
In many countries like India , Philippines , Slovakia , South Africa , Zimbabwe and South America , this protocol has helped to not only reduce infections but more importantly , reduce the death figures . The drug can still be taken even if one has taken the vaccine . So , it is wrong to say that these are anti-vaxers as they have been made out to be by the anti-Ivermectin lobby .
Doctors who advocate the use of Ivermectin are aware of their work and
DIFFERENT STROKES
BY ADI SATRIA
protocol . Depending on the nature and state of the patient ’ s condition , vitamins and a cocktail of other drugs are also included .
Reports also mentioned about the effectiveness of Ivermectin as a prophylaxis , especially among health care workers and those working in a high-risk environment .
Before YouTube had suppressed information on the successful use of this drug , we could see many reports on its efficacy . We have also received expert views and peer reports .
The health authorities must continue to allow off label use of Ivermectin if doctors feel it is appropriate .
The announcement by the Health Director-General for doctors to apply for off label usage of Ivermectin in the treatment of Covid-19 is certainly welcome news . Let us hope that this will be a standard protocol in all government hospitals and private clinics .
The drug is cheap and from the numerous reports received worldwide , is effective .
There are already many peer group reports of its efficacy which one cannot simply ignore . Worse still , they are also spreading FUDs ( fear , uncertainty , doubts ) by spinning information that is half accurate and even out of context to the real issues .
Early intervention important
While we acknowledge the existence of new variants which are dangerous , we must also recognise alternative protocols especially Ivermectin that has been around for the last 30 years . Saving lives is the priority now .
Early intervention is necessary so that infected patients can be prevented from moving into Stage 2 , especially those with low immunity and have underlying health issues . I personally have received reports of positive patients who have recovered and the protocol used includes Vitamin C , D3 , B and Zinc . For those in Stage 3 and 4 , doctors will also include other drugs .
The bottom line is , we are all in a stage of discovering more information on the virus and countries that have succeeded in reducing the rate of deaths should be seen as a prime example of the use of relevant drugs to achieve it .
By summarily dismissing these protocols when doctors and experts have confirmed its efficacy , is downright irresponsible and can even be considered criminal .
When Parliament was in session , the Malaysian Alliance for Effective Covid Control ( MAECC ) in a media release on July 27 , 2021 , called for the emergency use of Ivermectin along with the vaccination program especially for general practitioners ’ clinics early outpatient treatment . They contend that had it been allowed months ago , the epidemic would have been brought under control .
This can be seen in several countries where it was effectively used to control the spread of the disease , defying the WHO recommendation that Ivermectin not be used for Covid-19 .
Let us hope common sense will prevail and we return to rebuilding our shattered economy . — The Health
Adi Satria is a marketing communications veteran who has been analywing the tons of information associated with the pandemic . The role of the major mainstream media and now the digital and social media platforms in advocating different protocols all point to the pharma war in influencing governments , lobby groups and the general public . The right information at the right time must always be the priority of media practitioners without fear or favor .
The announcement by the Health Director-General for doctors to apply for off label usage of Ivermectin in the treatment of Covid-19 is certainly welcome news . Let us hope that this will be a standard protocol in all government hospitals and private clinics .”