The message from all scientists is very loud and clear that vaccines alone will not be able to stem the tide of the COVID-19 pandemic. Even after getting vaccinated, we will have to continue to wear masks, maintain physical distancing, wash hands .
Ina Opperman Vaccines are the most effective and permanent health responses, as demonstrated in the past with the smallpox, poliomyelitis, hepatitis B, measles, tetanus, diphtheria (whooping cough) and pneumococcal conjugate vaccines that reduced morbidity and mortality. (Photo by Dibyangshu SARKAR / AFP)
The good news, according to an analysis by a group of scientists from Wits University, is that we can in fact afford it and they have done the math.
They have illustrated that the overall cost of all three phases of a vaccine roll-out in South Africa, based on the AstraZeneca (AZ) vaccine and Covax supplies, would be R7.4-billion, with an added R1.2-billion for nursing costs. This means a total outlay of R8.6-billion.
One of these potential drugs, which is increasingly being promoted, is ivermectin, an
antiparasitic
Sufficient evidence is, however, currently lacking, although accelerated efforts to test ivermectin in humans are ongoing
The Covid-19 vaccines have taken centre stage in the race to end the pandemic. However, vaccine rollout will take a long time before it covers the entire global population. In the meantime, scientists are looking to develop other targeted therapies for the disease, caused by SARS-CoV-2.
One drug that has gained particular interest within the last couple of months is ivermectin, a parasiticide that is also used to treat a range of tropical diseases in humans not commonly seen in South Africa, as well as scabies and head lice, according to the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA).
Experts weigh in on use of Ivermectin in treatment of Covid-19
By Se-Anne Rall
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DURBAN - South African epidemiologist and infectious diseases specialist Professor Salim Abdool Karim has warned against the administering of Ivermectin in the treatment of Covid patients.
In an interview with IOL on Tuesday, Karim said current evidence with Ivermectin is seriously inadequate for Ivermectin to be prescribed for Covid-19. The Ivermectin available in South Africa is for animal use only. It would be professional misconduct for any doctor to prescribe it and any pharmacist to dispense it, he said.
Karim, who heads up the Ministerial Health Advisory Committee (MAC) on Covid-19, said until more robust evidence was made available, the routine use of Ivermectin either for the prevention or treatment of Covid-19 was not justified.