The Federal Government has admitted indicating interest to the World Health Organisation (WHO) to be part of the global solidarity trial of medicines being tried to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic, and efforts on to also conduct research too in the country.

The Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire, said this on Monday in Abuja, at the 25th joint national briefing of the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19. This is coming on the heels of the Officer in charge, WHO Nigeria and member of the PTF on COVID-19, Dr. Fiona Braka, who told Daily Trust in Abuja that Nigeria had signed up for drug trial. She told our correspondent that the four drugs that will be monitored in the solidarity trial are Remdesivir; Chloroquine or hydroxychloroquine; Lopinavir, and Ritonavir.

According to her, over 100 countries have joined the solidarity trial and that till date, over 1,200 patients have been randomized from the first five countries to evaluate the safety and efficacy full drug and drug combinations. She also said that 89 vaccines are being developed globally, including seven in clinical evaluation and several therapeutics in clinical trials to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We have indicated interest to the WHO to be part of the global solidarity trial of medicines being tried to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic, and efforts on to also conduct research here in Nigeria. Other drugs can be added to the trials based on emerging evidence. In all this, we shall ensure the maintenance of ethical standards and safety of our people,” Ehanire said.

He said that the nation is currently in community transmission mode and the government strategy is to take all persons who test positive to isolation, even if they have no symptoms, so that they do not risk infecting others, who may be more vulnerable, due to other diseases. “We need to protect, not only ourselves, but each other and our loved ones and make sacrifices today for a better tomorrow.

As we begin a new week and the prospects of gradual easing of the lockdown, I wish to remind citizens that this phase comes with added responsibility to be extra vigilant and compliant with the accompanying measures and guidelines that are meant to assure that we do not lose the health gains we have made so far.

“Since our COVID-19 statistics are of considerable concern, attention has also been drawn to the observation that countries who eased or lifted restrictions, suffered an increase in new cases,” the minister said.

Speaking on the Kano case, Ehanire said the Federal Ministry of Health is strengthening its support for the state Ministry of Health with service delivery and training, in consultation with the state Governor.

Read more: https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/covid-19-fg-admits-signing-up-for-drug-trials.html

Good

Good

Seriously most Nigerians have shown dey are dumb... Watch how Bill and Melinda Gates theorists will flood d thread now with their ignorant rants

let see how it goes

Confirmed

They should use their family members.

Good move in my opinion.

Good development

In any clinical trial , the patients have autonomy to decide either or not to participate in the research. They should be well informed about the pros & cons of the drugs .

rotadeco27:
In any clinical trial , the patients have autonomy to decide either or not to participate in the research. They should be well informed about the pros & cons of the drugs .

exactly!
That is the point

Let's wait and see how it goes...We pray and hope for the Best to come