For the record: Penpushing Media communiqué at the end of its Roundtable Dialogue on “Efficacy of African Herbs in tackling coronavirus pandemic ” held on Tuesday April 14, 2020.

The Online media platform of Penpushing Media with its array of participants ranging from high calibre politicians to traditional rulers, captains of industry, security experts,  media top shots and other professionals in furtherance of its corporate social responsibility, held another round of dialogue amongst it’s over 200 members.

The dialogue which had contributions from all sectors focused on the ” Efficacy of African herbs in  tackling Coronavirus  pandemic “. At the end of its 24 hours virtual dialogue the participants came up with the following resolutions:-

*  It identified the existence of genuine and knowledgeable Tradomedics or Alternative Medical Practitioners.

*That these category of practitioners have not been given  the  right recognition and necessary support by  the  government to annex and integrate their contributions into the national health care system.

*That these Tradomedics if copted would  proffer solutions using  herbs  and  roots to combat COVID-19 and  other viruses

.*The participants urged the government to provide a platform to bring together these tradomedics  to formulate their own solution of different African concotions to tackcle different diseases, ensure best practices in their preparation,  packaging  and labelling  with measurable prescriptions.

*That government as a matter of policy should appropriately fund research into all these herbs /roots.

*This can also be achieved through the establishment of traditional herbs medical laboratories  by the government or individuals from Organised Private Sector to encourage practitioners to subject their claims or findings for forensic research.

*Then all relevant Quality Control Agencies like Nafdac, SON etc must deliberately work together with the Tradomedicine Practitioners instead of the current discouraging procedure causing undue delay of products  inspection and certification.

These new findings after proper certification should  be exhibited regularly for  full patronage and further findings where necessary.

*The Penpushing Media Dialogue participants want the government to invite those who have offered  local herbal remedies to the pandemic and other ailments  including the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi.

*That government as a matter of policy must adopt continuous research into other ailments which can have herbal medications.

* Penpushing participants underscored the importance of ‘home grown’ solution to epidemics and pandemics  to find  appropriate vaccines for covid 19 saying  no proffered solution should be discarded because it is African-originated.

*The participants commended all Nigerians for their determination to battle the convid-19 pandemic along other challenges and appreciated the unparalleled services of the frontline health providers at this trying time.

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