Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has given approval for the clinical trial of Ivermectin drug for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19 infection in the state.
The Governor in a statement on Sunday noted that while the drug will not be deployed yet for general use, the clinical trial approval was given based on international reviews of its efficacy.
He said, “The State Government is aware of numerous international claims that the broad spectrum anti-parasitic agent/medication Ivermectin has shown some efficacy in acting as a sustained prophylaxis in containing/inhibiting the causative virus in SARS CoV-2.
“While this medication has not yet been approved for the broad treatment of the Coronavirus disease, the State Government has however taken the bold step of ensuring we have adequate stocks of Ivermectin, which will be initially deployed in a short clinical trial to ascertain its efficiency in our population to prevent and treat COVID-19 infection.”
Sanwo-Olu added that his administration will not relax in making oxygen available free of charge to patients that may need it, noting that the state was on the verge of delivering its second oxygen plant at the Gbagada General Hospital.
The Govenor also added that when the COVID-19 vaccines are eventually delivered to Lagos State, frontline workers, persons with co-morbidities, essential workers, and the elderly who are within the age bracket of 50 to over 65 years will be given priority access.
“The Government will keep the integrity of the vaccines intact along the entire supply and distribution chain, while also ensuring approved dosages are complied with.
“The state will follow up on possible post-vaccination adverse event; the monitoring strategy will be diligently followed in line with protocols of pharmaceutical public safety,” he added.
Meanwhile, all Osun State staff of Judiciary have been asked to undergo compulsory COVID-19 test with immediate effect.
Naija News understands that the order is from the state Chief Judge, Justice Adepele Ojo who ordered the shutting down of all courtrooms after five cases of the dreaded B117 strain of the COVID-19 disease were reported in the state.
Ojo directed court staffs below level 12 to hence work from until the B117 strain of COVID-19 subsides.
The directive was contained in a statement signed and released by the Chief Registrar, M. A Lasisi.