The United Nations Health Agency, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has revealed the organization is analyzing dexamethasone, a steroid that scientists from the United Kingdom (UK) say can save the lives of critically ill COVID-19 patients.
Scientists from the University of Oxford, UK, announced on Tuesday that they had found dexamethasone cured patients critically ill with Coronavirus.
Reacting to the latest discovery, WHO Director-General, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus says an in-depth analysis of the drug will be carried out before issuing clinical guidance on how and when the drug should be used.
Dr Tedros in a statement on Wednesday said;
“This is a welcome news. I congratulate the Government of the United Kingdom, University of Oxford, the research groups, hospitals, patients and families who have collectively contributed to this lifesaving breakthrough.
“WHO looks forward to learning more about the dexamethasone study. This is the first treatment to be shown to reduce mortality in severely ill patients with COVID-19 requiring oxygen or ventilator support.
“There are many ongoing clinical trials for COVID-19, including the Solidarity Trial launched by WHO and partners. It is hoped that more treatments under clinical evaluation will result in improving patient outcomes and save lives.
“While we are searching for COVID-19 treatments, we must continue strong efforts to prevent as many infections as possible by finding, isolating, testing and caring for every case; and tracing and quarantining every contact.”
