The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has warned Nigerians that chloroquine has not been approved for the treatment of the Coronavirus.
Director-General of the NCDC, Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu, gave the warning in Abuja on Thursday, while reacting to recent media reports that suggest that chloroquine could protect people from COVID-19 or treat patients, NAN reports.
”Nigerians should please remember that the use of chloroquine and its derivatives for the management of COVID-19 disease has not been validated and approved by the World Health Organisation (WHO)”.
”There have been promising results by researchers, but until then, the drug is not approved for use for COVID-19 treatment.
”Nigerians should know that self-medication can cause harm and lead to death.
“Do not misuse drugs. We understand these are challenging times, and Nigerians may be worried. Still, the Federal Ministry of Health(FMoH), through the NCDC is doing everything it can to continue to ensure the safety and health security of every Nigerian.
“Chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine have not been licensed to treat COVID-19 related symptoms or prevent infection,” he said.