The World Health Organization (WHO) announced yesterday that it has decided against using hydroxychloroquine solidarity trial for treating COVID-19.
The trial of chloroquine was suspended due to safety concern after Lancet’s report revealed that many people have died from the use of hydroxychloroquine to fight COVID-19.
The announcement was made by Director General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus during an online briefing. While making the announcement, Ghebreyesus added that other areas of the WHO solidarity trial would continue.
Ghebreyesus said: “As you know, more than two months ago we initiated the Solidarity Trial, to evaluate the safety and efficacy of four drugs and drug combinations against COVID-19.
“On Friday, the Lancet published an observational study on hydroxycholoroquine and chloraquine and its effects on COVID-19 patients that have been hospitalised.
“The authors reported that among patients receiving the drug, when used alone or with a macrolide, they estimated a higher mortality rate.
“The Executive Group of the Solidarity Trial, representing 10 of the participating countries, met on Saturday and has agreed to review a comprehensive analysis and critical appraisal of all evidence available globally.
“The review will consider data collected so far in the Solidarity Trial and in particular robust randomised available data, to adequately evaluate the potential benefits and harms from this drug.
“The Executive Group has implemented a temporary pause of the hydroxychloroquine arm within the Solidarity Trial while the safety data is reviewed by the Data Safety Monitoring Board.
“The other arms of the trial are continuing. This concern relates to the use of hydroxychloroquine and chloraquine in COVID-19.
“I wish to reiterate that these drugs are accepted as generally safe for use in patients with autoimmune diseases or malaria. WHO will provide further updates as we know more. And we will continue to work night and day for solutions, science and solidarity.”
More than 400 hospitals in no fewer than 35 countries are currently recruiting patients and almost 3500 patients have enrolled for trials in no fewer than 17 countries. At present in Nigeria, five states (Lagos, Kano, FCT, Kaduna, Ogun, and Sokoto) have shown interest in participating in the WHO’s solidarity trial to help discover an effective treatment for COVID-19.
