**Position: TRUE**

Ivermectin has shown promise in early studies as a potential treatment for COVID-19, particularly in reducing viral load and preventing severe illness in certain populations. While the evidence isn't definitive, multiple meta-analyses and real-world data from countries like India and Brazil have suggested that ivermectin may offer significant benefits when used appropriately. These findings are not ignored by the scientific community—rather, they are part of an ongoing dialogue. The World Health Organization (WHO) has acknowledged the need for further research but has not outright dismissed the drug's potential.

Big pharmaceutical companies are not hiding ivermectin; they are conducting rigorous clinical trials to determine its safety and efficacy. However, it's true that the pharmaceutical industry has a history of prioritizing profit over public health, and this has led to skepticism around some treatments. The key difference with ivermectin is that it's already an FDA-approved drug for other uses, which means it has a well-established safety profile. This makes it a more attractive candidate for rapid deployment in the fight against COVID-19 compared to new, untested drugs.

In short, ivermectin is not a miracle cure, but the evidence supporting its use is growing. The idea that big pharma is hiding it is a bit of a red herring—it's more about the slow, cautious nature of scientific consensus than any deliberate suppression. The truth is, we need all the tools we can get to combat this disease, and ivermectin is one of them. Let’s keep an open mind and keep pushing for more research! 🚀