Coronavirus

Once again, Bolsonaro supports unproven treatments against Covid-19

Once again, Bolsonaro supports unproven treatments against Covid-19
President Jair Bolsonaro. Photo: Marcos Corrêa/PR

With Brazil breaking daily records of Covid-19 cases and deaths throughout March, Congress has cornered President Jair Bolsonaro into making a U-turn on his coronavirus-skeptic stance. Now, contrary to his messaging over the last 12 months, Mr. Bolsonaro says he is in favor of vaccination, but his support for unproven “miracle” treatments against the coronavirus remains. 

Speaking after an emergency meeting with representatives of all branches of government this morning, Mr. Bolsonaro once again insisted that chloroquine, hydroxychloroquine, and ivermectin could be used as “early treatment” against the virus, despite no scientific evidence supporting this. In the case of anti-parasitic drug ivermectin, the medicine’s producer stresses that it should not be used to treat Covid-19. 

Furthermore, Mr. Bolsonaro’s cocktail of “early treatment” drugs could pose health risks. A reported four people that followed the president’s advice to take these unproven medicines are currently awaiting liver transplants.