In May, Coda Story, in partnership with South Africa’s Mail and Guardian, published a piece about the president of Madagascar's claims that he had discovered a cure for Covid-19, an herbal drink called Covid-Organics.  

According to recent reports, the African island nation is now expanding its product range to include a capsule version of Covid-Organics, and a new injectable cure. President Andry Rajoelina has said that clinical trials of the injectable solution, based on extracts of the artemisia plant, are already underway.  

On June 18, Rajoelina announced the launch of CVO +, a supposedly “curative and preventive capsule against Covid-19” made from artemisia, a plant that grows on the island, which is commonly used in antimalarial drugs.

Madagascar is also moving forward with clinical trials for an injectable remedy composed of artesunate — a derivative of artemisia — and vitamin C.