COVID-19: Stop indiscriminate use of chloroquine, NCDC warns Nigerians

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has warned Nigerians against the indiscriminate use of chloroquine and its derivatives for the management or treatment of COVID-19 disease which has killed many across the globe.

Director General of the NCDC, Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu, issued the warning on Thursday, in Abuja while reacting to reports in the media that suggests chloroquine could protect people from COVID-19 or treat patients infected with the virus.

”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.

Read also: CORONAVIRUS: Abia bans weddings, burials, other ceremonies above 30 people

“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.

The warning by the NCDC comes after Kano State Government on Wednesday ordered the closure of all entry points into the state as from Friday, 27th of March, 2020 in a bid to curb the outbreak and spread of Coronavirus.

This was disclosed in a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Abdullahi Ganduje on Wednesday in Kano.

According to him, movements in and out of the state were banned beginning from 12:00 a.m. Friday, March 27, 2020.

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