Uganda Launches Clinical Trials Of Covid-19

Posted by: lukwago J in Health September 16, 2020

Health minister Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng has launched the randomized clinical trials for use of COVID-19 convalescent plasma (CCP) for treatment of COVID-19 in Uganda.

She says commencement of the trial will determine the efficacy of convalescent plasma in treating COVID-19.

“A total of 162 COVID-19 convalescent plasma units have been collected. This can treat 65 patients.” Aceng said.

Convalescent plasma is plasma from individuals who have recovered from an infection and it may contain antibodies against that infection.

“We are at phase IV of the outbreak. This means we have widespread community transmission. All our efforts are geared towards mitigation. One part of our strategies is the use of CCP.” Dr Aceng said while launching the clinical trials.

The Minister for Health @JaneRuth_Aceng launches the randomized clinical trial for use of convalescent plasma for treatment of COVID-19 in Uganda. #STAYSAFEUG pic.twitter.com/bAvZ91B8Aa

— Ministry of Health- Uganda (@MinofHealthUG) September 16, 2020

She further appealed to individuals who have recovered from COVID-19 to continue giving plasma. Medical teams will continue to require it for the clinical trials.

Speaking at the launch, Makerere University Lung Institute head, Dr Bruce Kirenga said 186 recovered COVID-19 patients willingly consented to participate in the blood donation but only 162 qualified.

“The donors came from all parts of Uganda except Karamoja. This region had no COVID-19 infection at the time.” He added.

Meanwhile, all the plasma samples donated had enough antibodies to warrant use in treatment of COVID-19 patients.

There is emerging evidence from different countries to support the use of COVID-19 Convalescent plasma in the treatment of COVID-19 especially among severe and critical forms.

New cases;

Results of COVID-19 tests done on 15 September 2020 confirm 143 new cases.
The cumulative confirmed cases of Ugandans are now 5,266.

🔸Recoveries: 2,404

🔺2 new COVID-19 deaths registered. Total COVID-19 deaths are now 60.#STAYSAFEUG pic.twitter.com/QQqkxzinHG

— Ministry of Health- Uganda (@MinofHealthUG) September 16, 2020

Meanwhile, Results of COVID-19 tests done on 15 September 2020 confirm 143 new cases. This therefore brings the total number of cases to 5,266. The number of fatalities in the country stand at 60 after ministry of health registered two new deaths cases.

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