As COVID-19 cases rise in Namibia, health authorities have issued a stark warning against a dangerous scam promoting elephant dung as a cure. While not physically harmful, this fraudulent treatment preys on fears and wastes precious resources.
Namibia reports 4,464 COVID-19 cases and 37 deaths as of recent updates. Though less affected than many nations, infections are climbing. As detailed in a TV5 Monde article from August 18, 2020, Health Minister Kalumbi Shangula cautions against opportunists exploiting coronavirus fears to dupe residents.
With no proven cure for SARS-CoV-2 worldwide, growing interest in traditional medicine has led some to fall for elephant dung-based remedies. Desperate individuals pay scammers hoping for protection or relief from the virus.
Reports confirm large quantities of elephant dung being sold illegally. Across Namibia, so-called traditional healers promote inhalations of the substance for ailments like headaches, toothaches, and nosebleeds. Ministry of Environment spokesperson Romeo Muvunda emphasizes it's strictly forbidden to collect elephant dung from protected areas, with fines for offenders.
Pandemics breed unbelievable scams, from online misinformation on masks and vaccines to deadly hoaxes. In late March 2020, around 300 people died in Iran after a tabloid claim—spread via social media—that whiskey and honey cured COVID-19. Victims consumed high-proof methanol alcohol, believing it would kill the virus.
