Following the global fight against the Coronavirus and the need to boost recovery, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has approved the use of dexamethasone, a steroid that has life-saving potentials, in the treatment of critically ill COVID-19 patients. Tedros Ghebreyesus, the WHO Director-General made the disclosure during a virtual briefing from Geneva, saying there is a need to increase the production of the drug for worldwide distribution. He said though "the data on it is still preliminary,” the recent finding has given the world a much-needed reason to celebrate.
The DG noted that following the UK trial result that showed the drug was fit for treating COVID-19 patients, demand for dexamethasone has surged.
He, however, warned that the drug "should only be used for patients with the severe or critical disease, under close clinical supervision."
"There is no evidence this drug works for patients with mild disease or as a preventative measure, and it could cause harm.
"Fortunately, this is an inexpensive medicine and there are many dexamethasone manufacturers worldwide, who we are confident can accelerate production," Ghebreyesus added.
