Why Ivermectin and African Doctors Face Persecution in the US

The intriguing and often controversial question arises: if ivermectin has shown promising results against COVID-19 in African countries under the supervision of licensed doctors, why is ivermectin and the doctors using it facing such intense scrutiny and backlash in the United States? This article delves into the reasons behind this apparent disparity and explores the implications for public health.

Background and Context

When African doctors successfully applied ivermectin against COVID-19 in several African countries, many hailed it as a potentially life-saving treatment. However, in the United States, this approach has been met with significant opposition, leading to questions about fairness and the motives behind such scrutiny.

False Claims and Scientific Disproval

Claim: If ivermectin is used successfully in African countries, why is it being persecuted in the US?

Response: The success stories in Africa were not evidence of ivermectin's efficacy in treating COVID-19. After the initial claims, ivermectin was rigorously studied worldwide, and the results were overwhelmingly negative and conclusive. Ivermectin is a drug designed to combat parasites, not viruses, and therefore has no antiviral properties.

Regulation and Proof

Claim: Why is ivermectin and these doctors facing persecution in the US?

Response: In the US and other developed countries, the medical community adheres to strict protocols and evidence-based practices. Doctors must rely on concrete, reproducible science before introducing unproven treatments to their patients. The lack of reliable studies supporting ivermectin's effectiveness for COVID-19, coupled with the extensive scientific scrutiny, has led to its rejection.

Understanding the Science

Doctors in the US were aware of the mechanisms of ivermectin, knowing it is effective against parasites but not viruses. They also reviewed the numerous studies that comprehensively disproved any antiviral properties of the drug. Additionally, owing to regular updates from African studies, it became clear that the effectiveness was likely due to the preponderance of parasitic infections among the patients, rather than a viral condition.

Proven Defenses Against COVID-19

While debates about alternative treatments persist, the only proven defense against COVID-19 is vaccination. Vaccines have been extensively tested and have been shown to confer significant protection against severe illness and death.

The Medical and Ethical Dimensions

It is worth considering why certain medical practices in African countries are not scrutinized in the same way. In less developed nations, there is often a lack of oversight and scientific review by health agencies. Practices like female genital mutilation, while controversial, are not subject to the same level of scientific scrutiny as medical treatments.

Conclusion

The discrepancy between the acceptance of ivermectin in some African countries and the rejection in the US highlights the importance of evidence-based medicine. The medical community in the US prioritizes rigorous testing and scientific validation before endorsing new treatments. This approach, while sometimes met with skepticism, ensures the safety and efficacy of the medications used in patient care.

As the global health landscape continues to evolve, it is crucial to maintain a balanced perspective that respects both the scientific rigor of developed nations and the unique challenges faced by less developed regions.