KAMPALA – Ever since coronavirus second wave was announced, many people across the country have resorted to boiling various weeds, inhaling and drinking the concoctions to boost their immunity.
However medical experts have noted that intake such weeds including marijuana instead increase cases of intoxication in various hospitals.
Health Ministry Permanent Secretary, Dr. Diana Atwine says there is no research that proves that weeds cure covid-19, something that puts consumers on high health related risks.
Taking a picture of grass in his compound, Dr. Daniel Semakula, the Innovations and Knowledge Translation (IKT) officer, Thrive Consortium said, “That is grass from my compound. If I write anywhere on that picture that this is a treatment for COVID some people might take it… but it’s just grass, the grass you know.”
Speaking to PML Daily, Dr. Semakula said that that’s how these false messages are making rounds without people asking for their veracity.
“I can add that the picture was taken by our askari and sent to me to show me that the grass has grown and needs trimming… but if I write treatment many people will take it without question much.”
Dr. Semakula warned that there in lies the dangers of taking medical advice from social media.
“Where was the message sent from and for what purpose, we may never know. We have health workers. Let’s consult with them and let’s not forward such messages unless we are sure of their trustworthiness,” he said.
The latest in use is marijuana where videos and audios have been making rounds on social media with some people claiming its leaves can cure Covid-19.
Dr. Atwine said that if this persists, intoxication and drug addiction will rise.
She says people should stick to prescriptions from trusted medical personnel and follow care and preventive guidelines issued by the ministry of health.
Uganda currently has 63,099 cases of covid-19 and 434 related deaths.
