The first vaccine trial for coronavirus has begun: WHO

Mar 18 2020, 6:01 pm

The World Health Organization has announced that the first vaccine trial for COVID-19 has begun.

Dr. Tedros Adhanom, Director-General and head of WHO, shared the news to media on Wednesday, saying that the trial began just 60 days after the genetic sequence of coronavirus was shared.

Adhanom explains that small trials may not give clear cut evidence about which treatment would be most effective. Rather, WHO and its partners will be “organizing a study in many countries” to compare a number of untested treatments against each other.

“This large, international study is designed to generate the robust data we need, to show which treatments are the most effective,” he says.

The Director-General says that this kind of study is called a solidarity trial and “provides simplified procedures to enable even hospitals that have been overloaded to participate.”

Argentina, Bahrain, Canada, France, Iran, Norway, South Africa, Spain, Switzerland, and Thailand have already confirmed that they will participate, with more countries expected to join.

With coronavirus on the rise, BC public health authorities are reminding individuals who attend events and large gatherings to monitor their health for signs and symptoms of COVID-19. And if you’re not feeling well, they recommend staying home at this time. Also, due to unexpected cancellations, please check the event you plan to attend is still taking place. Keep up with COVID-19 news here.

Daily Hive StaffDaily Hive Staff

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