The Lagos State Government has expressed confidence in the clinical trial of hydroxychloroquine as treatment for COVID-19.
Although two weeks ago, the World Health Organisation (WHO) Director-General, Tedros Ghebreyesus, announced the temporary suspension of testing of the malaria drug, hydroxychloroquine, as a potential treatment for COVID-19 as precautionary measure, Lagos is going ahead with its plans.
Meanwhile, WHO had previously advised against the use of hydroxychloroquine to treat or prevent COVID-19 except as part of clinical trials.
However, the Lagos state government has categorically expressed commitment to the use of the drugs not minding the dispute surrounding the use.
According to the state Commissioner for Health, Professor Akin Abayomi at a media briefing on COVID-19 situation report in the state held on Friday, the rapid diagnostic test for the virus is inaccurate, thereby, increasing spread of COVlD-19.
He added: “The tests have not been registered and validated for use even though they are fast and test result are usually ready within five minutes.”
The commissioner continued that vendors of the product were selling illegally, hence, there are no validation and testing of the product in legalised areas as government must give permission to perform the rapid test due to accuracy.
“But the bench mark test will still be performed for clarity and peace of mind,” he added.
The commissioner, however, assured the public that there was no cause for fear as just one per cent of the total deaths had been recorded involving the COVID-19 pandemic in the state as well as the country compared to other climes across the globe such as: United States of America, USA, Britain, Spain, among others.
