Windhoek (AFP)
Namibia on Tuesday warned its people against using elephant dung to treat the coronavirus, which has become increasingly popular amid the recent spread of the pandemic.
"I am worried that some unscrupulous people will encourage others to spend money on unnecessary medicines in the hope of a cure," Health Minister Kalumbi Shangula told AFP.
Some 4,463 cases, including 37 fatalities, have been recorded in Namibia, according to the latest official statistics.
In the absence of any scientifically proven treatment against the virus, the resurgence of cases of contamination in the country has revived interest in traditional treatments, some of which advocate the use of elephant dung.
"It is not ethical", ruled Minister Shangula, "a desperate person can do desperate things".
The Ministry of the Environment has confirmed having been informed of sales of pachyderm droppings on the grounds that it would cure Covid-19. "It has caused a sharp rise in demand," spokesman Romeo Muvunda told reporters.
According to him, traditional practitioners in the country use inhalations of elephant dung to treat nosebleeds or headaches or toothaches.
"People are not allowed to collect dung in protected areas," Muvunda said, "such an offense is punishable by a fine."
© 2020 AFP