Madagascar announced its first COVID-19 death on Sunday, nearly two months after the disease was first detected in the country.

The patient was a 57-year-old hospital worker who had underlying conditions including diabetes and high blood pressure, according to an official from the anti-coronavirus task team.

"It is with great sadness that we have to share with all our compatriots, that there is an individual, aged 57, who died from Covid-19," professor Hanta Vololontiana said on a televised address.

Madagascar has reported 304 infections, according to the U.S.-based Johns Hopkins University.

The Indian Ocean island nation has been on the headlines recently over a home-grown herbal remedy that it says cures COVID-19.

President Andry Rajoelina has been at the forefront in pushing for continental usage of the remedy, and has even donated some to other countries. A few African states have purchased the remedy named CovidOrganics, but the World Health Organization alongside the African Union have warned against using unapproved remedies in the fight against COVID-19.

The tonic drink is derived from artemisia - a plant with proven efficacy in malaria treatment - and other indigenous herbs.

Source(s): News24