The rise of the Covid-19 pandemic has acted as a unifying force around the world, with nations rising to the challenge to deliver vital vaccines.
But a public health crisis which has stretched on for more than two years has also led to distrust and division, with anti-vaccine sentiment intensifying under the glare of social media.
In the early stages of the pandemic, anti-malaria drug hydroxychloroquine was embraced by some as a magic cure for Covid-19 after being championed by former US President Donald Trump.
More recently, ivermectin has emerged as a potential saviour for those opposed to vaccination.
Earlier this week, Reuters was forced to correct a report claiming ivermectin was effective in the treatment of Covid-19.
It is not the first time the drug has generated controversy. But what is it? And why do people keep saying it can cure the disease?
The National explains.
What is ivermectin?
It is a deworming drug mainly used by vets. But it can be used in humans and is approved for treating infections caused by some types of parasitic worms, as well as head lice and a skin condition called rosacea.
It is not, however, approved for use in the treatment of Covid-19. And many regulators, including the US Food and Drug Administration and its counterpart in Mexico, have specifically issued warnings against doing so as it has not been shown to be effective against the coronavirus as a treatment in people.
So where did the idea that it works come from?
It all started early after the onset of the pandemic in 2020, when research showed it was effective in killing the virus in vitro, which means in a test tube, essentially.
But what works in a lab does not always work in a person. And that is what happened in the case of ivermectin. Clinical trials showed it did not help treat the disease.
An analysis of available studies found that more than a third of the 26 major trials into its use against Covid had “serious errors or signs of fraud”, according to the BBC.
Covid-19 around the world - in pictures
The rest provided no persuasive evidence it was effective. Dr Syed Rabbani, a specialist in internal medicine at NMC Royal Hospital, Sharjah, said while it was initially believed to hold promise, it has not been proved that it works.
A colleague at the hospital echoed those thoughts.
“There is very limited evidence for the benefit of ivermectin for Covid-19 treatment or [as a] prophylaxis,” said Dr Ram Shukla, specialist physician in infectious diseases at the Sharjah hospital.
“Most of the evidence is very low quality and further robust studies are needed before recommending it for treatment for Covid-19.
“Lack of effective data and possible drug interaction may lead to dose variations and harm. The available level of evidence does not justify use of ivermectin for treatment or [as a] prophylaxis for Covid-19,” he said.
Why is it still touted as a cure by some?
Because many against vaccination — widely known as anti-vaxxers — have seized on its potential to treat the disease. They include people like Laurence Fox, a British actor who recently said he was taking the drug to treat his symptoms while making light of the virus.
It has also been promoted by many conservative politicians in the US. That has led to a surge in calls to poison control centres about overdoses related to its use in the treatment for Covid.
In large doses it can cause vomiting, seizures and even kill.
What reignited the controversy around the drug?
Earlier this week, Reuters, a news agency, was forced to issue a correction after erroneously claiming a phase 3 trial into the use of the drug against Covid showed it was effective.
A press release from Japanese pharmaceutical company Kowa, which is conducting a study into the drug, detailed information about preclinical work it had conducted, which showed Ivermectin was still effective in vitro against Omicron.
“All this report is saying is that … *in a lab* … ivermectin retains its antiviral properties again Omicron,” tweeted Dr Alastair McAlpine, paediatric infectious diseases doctor.
“Which is hardly blockbuster news. But as we know, this has not translated into meaningful data in humans. This report changes nothing.”
The Reuters story, which claimed ivermectin was “effective”, remained online for hours on Monday before a correction was issued.
The news agency service told Newsweek: “The original Reuters story misstated that ivermectin was 'effective' against Omicron in Phase III clinical trials, which are conducted in humans.
“We corrected this to clarify it had an 'antiviral effect' against Omicron and it was shown in joint non-clinical research. After being made aware of the error, we corrected our story immediately.”
The correction came too late and created further confusion by conservative anti-vaxxers, who latched on to the news and shared it widely.
They included the controversial US podcaster, Joe Rogan. He shared the news on his Twitter account, with the comment “Well, lookie here”.
He has since deleted the tweet.
The results of the first round are as follows:
Qais Saied (Independent): 18.4 per cent
Nabil Karoui (Qalb Tounes): 15.58 per cent
Abdelfattah Mourou (Ennahdha party): 12.88 per cent
Abdelkarim Zbidi (two-time defence minister backed by Nidaa Tounes party): 10.7 per cent
Youssef Chahed (former prime minister, leader of Long Live Tunisia): 7.3 per cent
First Person
Richard Flanagan
Chatto & Windus
MATCH INFO
Champions League quarter-final, first leg
Ajax v Juventus, Wednesday, 11pm (UAE)
Match on BeIN Sports
MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League semi-final, first leg
Bayern Munich v Real Madrid
When: April 25, 10.45pm kick-off (UAE)
Where: Allianz Arena, Munich
Live: BeIN Sports HD
Second leg: May 1, Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid
Who was Alfred Nobel?
The Nobel Prize was created by wealthy Swedish chemist and entrepreneur Alfred Nobel.
- In his will he dictated that the bulk of his estate should be used to fund "prizes to those who, during the preceding year, have conferred the greatest benefit to humankind".
- Nobel is best known as the inventor of dynamite, but also wrote poetry and drama and could speak Russian, French, English and German by the age of 17. The five original prize categories reflect the interests closest to his heart.
- Nobel died in 1896 but it took until 1901, following a legal battle over his will, before the first prizes were awarded.
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This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
Expo details
Expo 2020 Dubai will be the first World Expo to be held in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia
The world fair will run for six months from October 20, 2020 to April 10, 2021.
It is expected to attract 25 million visits
Some 70 per cent visitors are projected to come from outside the UAE, the largest proportion of international visitors in the 167-year history of World Expos.
More than 30,000 volunteers are required for Expo 2020
The site covers a total of 4.38 sqkm, including a 2 sqkm gated area
It is located adjacent to Al Maktoum International Airport in Dubai South
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Museum of the Future in numbers
- 78 metres is the height of the museum
- 30,000 square metres is its total area
- 17,000 square metres is the length of the stainless steel facade
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- 1,024 individual pieces make up the exterior
- 7 floors in all, with one for administrative offices
- 2,400 diagonally intersecting steel members frame the torus shape
- 100 species of trees and plants dot the gardens
- Dh145 is the price of a ticket
No more lice
Defining head lice
Pediculus humanus capitis are tiny wingless insects that feed on blood from the human scalp. The adult head louse is up to 3mm long, has six legs, and is tan to greyish-white in colour. The female lives up to four weeks and, once mature, can lay up to 10 eggs per day. These tiny nits firmly attach to the base of the hair shaft, get incubated by body heat and hatch in eight days or so.
Identifying lice
Lice can be identified by itching or a tickling sensation of something moving within the hair. One can confirm that a person has lice by looking closely through the hair and scalp for nits, nymphs or lice. Head lice are most frequently located behind the ears and near the neckline.
Treating lice at home
Head lice must be treated as soon as they are spotted. Start by checking everyone in the family for them, then follow these steps. Remove and wash all clothing and bedding with hot water. Apply medicine according to the label instructions. If some live lice are still found eight to 12 hours after treatment, but are moving more slowly than before, do not re-treat. Comb dead and remaining live lice out of the hair using a fine-toothed comb.
After the initial treatment, check for, comb and remove nits and lice from hair every two to three days. Soak combs and brushes in hot water for 10 minutes.Vacuum the floor and furniture, particularly where the infested person sat or lay.
Courtesy Dr Vishal Rajmal Mehta, specialist paediatrics, RAK Hospital
Green ambitions
- Trees: 1,500 to be planted, replacing 300 felled ones, with veteran oaks protected
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Labour dispute
The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.
- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law
The biog
Age: 23
Occupation: Founder of the Studio, formerly an analyst at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi
Education: Bachelor of science in industrial engineering
Favourite hobby: playing the piano
Favourite quote: "There is a key to every door and a dawn to every dark night"
Family: Married and with a daughter
Ticket prices
- Golden circle - Dh995
- Floor Standing - Dh495
- Lower Bowl Platinum - Dh95
- Lower Bowl premium - Dh795
- Lower Bowl Plus - Dh695
- Lower Bowl Standard- Dh595
- Upper Bowl Premium - Dh395
- Upper Bowl standard - Dh295
Paatal Lok season two
Directors: Avinash Arun, Prosit Roy
Stars: Jaideep Ahlawat, Ishwak Singh, Lc Sekhose, Merenla Imsong
Rating: 4.5/5
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