Madagascar announces its first Covid-19 death

A 57-year old man who had underlying health issues was the first to die of Covid-19 in Madagascar, nearly two months after the first case hit the eastern African island nation, according to a Malagasy health task force spokesperson.

"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," said Hanta Vololontiana on public television.

The man, who was a hospital car park attendant in the eastern town of Toamasina, had underlying health issues, including diabetes and high blood pressure, said Volontiana.

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Madagascar currently has 304 coronavirus cases.
President Andry Rajoelina has been claiming that he has a herbal remedy to cure people who have been infected with the virus. The tonic, called Covid-Organics, is made from the Artemisia plant and other herbs found in Madagascar.

The World Health Organization has warned that the drink has not been tested to see if it is effective.