Indons Ignore Warnings As They Splurge On Ivermectin As Cure for COVID

Indonesians have ignored health warnings to stock up on ivermectin, a deworming agent for horses, as a "miracle cure" for COVID-19 that thrives on testimonials by leading politicians and social media influencers.

Reporting for the Agence France-Presse (AFP), Agnes Anya and Haeril Halim said Indonesians are desperate in saving themselves as the out-of-control virus surge sweeps the country and hundreds die each day.

Authorities are reporting hundreds of deaths every day as the world's fourth-most populous nation struggles with its worst outbreak since the pandemic began.

Pharmacies across the country are running out of ivermectin, an oral treatment normally used to treat lice and other parasitic infections, thanks in part to viral social media posts touting its potential as a coronavirus treatment.

But manufacturer Merck has said there was "no scientific basis for a potential therapeutic effect against COVID-19" and warned of possible safety issues if the drug is administered inappropriately.

Scientists, the World Health Organization (WHO), and several drug regulators -- including Indonesia's own -- have also stressed there is a lack of credible evidence to show it works against COVID-19.

"Those who come bring a screenshot showing that ivermectin... could cure COVID," said Yoyon, head of a pharmaceutical sales group at a market in the capital Jakarta, who like many Indonesians goes by one name.

He said the shortage had pushed the price of the drug up from around 175,000 to 300,000 rupiah ($12-$21) a bottle. "We are out of supplies at the moment after many people came to buy it," he added. Enthusiastic praise from popular online personalities is helping drive demand.

WEEKLY FEATURE : PAL READY TO SOAR WITH PANDEMIC