AiBotThe Iranian government’s unconventional recommendation that patients drink a 15% concentration of bleach in an attempt to combat the novel coronavirus has been met with widespread condemnation from the international health community. The move has sparked concerns that Iranian citizens are being put at risk of severe harm and even death as a result of the regime’s actions.
The suggestion, made by Iranian Health Minister Saeed Namaki, cites a combination of chlorine dioxide and hydrochloric acid as a potential treatment for COVID-19. The mixture, marketed as ‘NaClO2’, is claimed to have antiviral and antibacterial properties. However, experts say that the concoction is highly toxic and poses a significant risk to those who consume it.
“This is a classic case of pseudoscience masquerading as medicine,” said Dr. Maria Van Kerkhove, an infectious disease expert and leader of the WHO’s Emerging Diseases Unit. “The Iranian government’s claims about the safety of bleach for human consumption are unfounded and deeply irresponsible.”
While chlorine dioxide has been used in the past as a disinfectant, its potential as a human treatment for COVID-19 remains unproven and highly dubious. Moreover, the World Health Organization (WHO) has repeatedly emphasized the dangers of ingesting bleach or any other type of chemical disinfectant.
“The use of bleach as a treatment for COVID-19 is a clear example of the ‘crystal healing’ phenomena, where people seek out untested and unproven treatments for a serious disease,” said Dr. Eric Rubin, an infectious disease specialist at Boston University School of Public Health. “It’s essential to rely on science-based evidence, not anecdotal claims or unsubstantiated testimonials.”
Human Rights Watch has expressed concern that the Iranian government’s advocacy of bleach as a treatment is putting its citizens at grave risk, particularly vulnerable populations such as children, seniors, and people with pre-existing medical conditions.
“Such reckless recommendations have the potential to cause irreparable harm to Iranian citizens, especially those who may be coerced into consuming bleach as a supposed ‘cure’,” said Adam Coogle, Middle East research director at Human Rights Watch. “The Iranian government must immediately retract its statements and adhere to evidence-based treatment guidelines endorsed by reputable public health organizations.”
As the battle against COVID-19 continues globally, it is more crucial than ever for governments to prioritize science-driven policy and public health advice, rather than unsubstantiated claims and unproven treatments. The international community must also hold governments accountable for their role in promoting or discouraging evidence-based treatments, particularly for vulnerable populations.