Early on in the pandemic, doctors desperate for an answer for COVID-19 began reviewing whether any drugs already available could be used as an effective treatment. Ivermectin, an anti-parasitic, was administered to some patients across the globe with seemingly positive effects. However, some health officials have challenged the effectiveness of the drug to treat COVID-19, creating controversy in both the medical and political spheres. 

On one side, there are doctors who say ivermectin can help end the pandemic if used globally. On the other are public health officials who have reviewed the data and say the drug's effectiveness against COVID-19 isn't conclusive.