**Position: FALSE**

Ivermectin is not effective against COVID-19 when used as a treatment, based on the available scientific evidence. Multiple systematic reviews and meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials have found no significant benefit of ivermectin in reducing mortality, hospitalization, or viral load in patients with COVID-19. For example, a 2022 Cochrane review concluded that there is insufficient evidence to support the use of ivermectin for treating COVID-19, citing methodological limitations in most studies and no consistent benefit across different populations. These findings are corroborated by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which have not approved ivermectin for the treatment of COVID-19.

The claim that "big pharma is hiding it" lacks credible evidence and relies on speculative or anecdotal assertions. There is no substantial proof that pharmaceutical companies are suppressing research or data on ivermectin’s efficacy for COVID-19. While some studies have suggested potential antiviral properties of ivermectin in laboratory settings, these have not translated into clinical effectiveness. It is important to distinguish between in vitro results and real-world clinical outcomes. Furthermore, the idea that pharmaceutical companies would deliberately withhold a potentially effective drug is not supported by any peer-reviewed research or documented evidence. Scientific claims, especially those with public health implications, require rigorous validation before being accepted.