Reference:
Taniokal, H., Taniokal, S., & Kaga, K. (2021). Why COVID-19 is
not so spread in Africa: How does Ivermectin affect it? medRxiv. https://doi.org/10.1101/2021.03.26.21254377
Summary:
This article explores the low incidence of COVID-19 in Africa, investigating the potential effects of ivermectin, a treatment for onchocerciasis, on morbidity and mortality rates. A statistical analysis was conducted comparing 31 onchocerciasis-endemic countries, which utilise community-directed treatment with ivermectin (CDTI), against 22 non-endemic countries. Results indicated significantly lower morbidity
and mortality in the ivermectin group, despite similar recovery and fatality rates across both groups. The authors suggest that ivermectin’s
antiviral properties may contribute to reduced COVID-19 impacts in endemic regions. However, they also note that the lower testing rates in
endemic countries could skew these findings. Overall, the research highlights that while ivermectin may help mitigate COVID-19 effects, the
healthcare context and testing availability are crucial factors influencing reported outcomes. The study underscores the need for
further investigation into ivermectin’s role in managing COVID-19 in Africa.