Jair Bolsonaro praises HCQ after testing COVID-19 positive, says 'it worked'

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro touted efficacy of hydroxychloroquine, an anti-malarial drug, in a Facebook video on July 9, saying it worked for him. Bolsonaro has tested positive for COVID-19 after repeatedly downplaying threat of virus while it has claimed thousands of lives in Latin American nation.

"I'm saying this very clearly. I took (hydroxychloroquine) and it worked, and I'm fine, thank God. And let those who criticize it at least offer an alternative," said Bolsonaro in video.

Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) is being pushed for COVID-19 treatment in many countries but its efficacy has t been scientifically proven yet. Even during brief suspension of drug trial by World Health Organisation (WHO) in May, Brazilian Health Ministry h said that it would t alter recommendation to use drug. 

Brazilian President revealed that he h started taking an HCQ tablet every day after he started feeling unwell during last weekend. In video mess, Bolsonaro, however, denied making "propaganda for hydroxychloroquine". Brazilian government, under leership of Bolsonaro, has emerged as one of examples of failed COVID-19 response.

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Gross neglect of COVID-19 measures

re have been several incidents in past when Bolsonaro neglected social distancing measures and even targeted Brazilian authorities including goverrs and mayors for opting measures suggested by UN health ncy. He himself escaped a close scare in March when his press secretary tested positive withing days of meeting US President Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago.

In May, Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME), primarily funded by Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, projected nearly 90,000 deaths in Brazil related to COVID-19 by early August. IHME Director Dr Christopher Murray h said in a statement that nation’s health care system is facing a daunting challenge. Brazil has recorded over 1.75 million confirmed cases of coronavirus with more than 69,000 deaths so far, according to Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Center.

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(Im: AP)