Global Digital Store – Ebooks and Softwares

Tag: Testing

  • OHCHR, IOM, UNHCR and WHO joint press release: the rights and health of refugees, migrants and stateless must be protected in COVID-19 response

    In the face of the COVID-19 crisis, we are all vulnerable. The virus has shown that it does not discriminate – but many refugees, those forcibly displaced, the stateless and migrants are at heightened risk. 

    Three-quarters of the world’s refugees and many migrants are hosted in developing regions where health systems are already overwhelmed and under-capacitated.  Many live in overcrowded camps, settlements, makeshift shelters or reception centers, where they lack adequate access to health services, clean water and sanitation. 

    The situation for refugees and migrants held in formal and informal places of detention, in cramped and unsanitary conditions, is particularly worrying. Considering the lethal consequences a COVID-19 outbreak would have, they should be released without delay. Migrant children and their families and those detained without a sufficient legal basis should be immediately released.

    This disease can be controlled only if there is an inclusive approach which protects every individual’s rights to life and health.  Migrants and refugees are disproportionately vulnerable to exclusion, stigma and discrimination, particulary when undocumented.  To avert a catastrophe, governments must do all they can to protect the rights and the health of everyone. Protecting the rights and the health of all people will in fact help control the spread of the virus.

    It is vital that everyone, including all migrants and refugees, are ensured equal access to health services and are effectively included in national responses to COVID-19, including prevention, testing and treatment. Inclusion will help not only to protect the rights of refugees and migrants, but will also serve to protect public health and stem the global spread of COVID-19.  While many nations protect and host refugee and migrant populations, they are often not equipped to respond to crises such as Covid-19. To ensure refugees and migrants have adequate access to national health services, States may need additional financial support. This is where the world’s financial institutions can play a leading role in making funds available. 

    While countries are closing their borders and limiting cross-border movements, there are ways to manage border restrictions in a manner which respects international human rights and refugee protection standards, including the principle of non-refoulement, through quarantine and health checks. 

    More than ever, as COVID-19 poses a global threat to our collective humanity, our primary focus should be on the preservation of life, regardless of status.  This crisis demands a coherent, effective international approach that leaves no-one behind.  At this crucial moment we all need to rally around a common objective, fighting this deadly virus. Many refugees, displaced, stateless people and migrants have skills and resources that can also be part of the solution.

    We cannot allow fear or intolerance to undermine rights or compromise the effectiveness of responses to the global pandemic. We are all in this together. We can only defeat this virus when each and every one of us is protected. 

    Read More
    https://www.who.int/news-room/detail/31-03-2020-ohchr-iom-unhcr-and-who-joint-press-release-the-rights-and-health-of-refugees-migrants-and-stateless-must-be-protected-in-covid-19-response

    Views: 0

  • Medical Product Alert N°2/2020

    Medical Product Alert N°2/2020

    This Medical Product Alert relates to a confirmed falsified human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in vitro diagnostic medical device (IVD) that has been identified circulating in Guyana and Kenya.

    Through its Global Surveillance and Monitoring System (GSMS) for substandard/falsified medical products,
    WHO was informed that at least 8,240 falsified rapid diagnostic tests to detect HIV-1/2 have been distributed in Guyana at end-user level. The product is Uni-Gold™ HIV and claims to be manufactured by
    Trinity Biotech plc. Subsequent reports
    revealed that the same falsified product is also circulating in Kenya.

    Uni-Gold™ HIV is a single-use rapid diagnostic test – an immunoassay for the qualitative detection of antibodies to HIV-1 and HIV-2 in serum, plasma and whole blood. Uni-Gold™ HIV is intended for use in point of care settings as an aid
    in diagnosis of HIV-1 and HIV-2 infection.

    The WHO testing strategy recommends three HIV reactive test results to confirm an HIV-positive status in a
    patient. The use of this falsified Uni-Gold™ HIV, subject of WHO medical product alert n°2 of 2020, is likely to lead to delayed diagnosis of HIV status.

    Table 1: Specific details of the falsified product Uni-Gold™ HIV, subject of WHO Medical Product Alert n°2 of 2020

    Product Name

    Uni-Gold™ HIV

    Lot Number

    HIV7120026

    Expiry Date

    5 DEC 2020

    Stated manufacturer

    Trinity Biotech

    The packaging of this falsified HIV test kit is in English.

    The genuine manufacturer (Trinity Biotech plc) has confirmed that:

    • They did not manufacture the falsified product in Table 1.
    • Genuine lot HIV7120026 was made by Trinity Biotech plc and expired in 2019.
    • The expiry date is incorrect and does not correspond with their batch manufacturing records.

    Photographs and advice to the public are available below.

    Figure 1 – Falsified Uni-Gold™ HIV, lot number HIV7120026, displaying falsified expiry date

     

    Falsified UniGold HIV Images 1 and 2 Alert

    Figure 2 – Falsified Uni-Gold™ HIV, displaying labelling inconsistencies

    Falsified UniGold HIV Image 3 Alert

     

    Advice on action to be taken by end-users:

    • Please check to see if any Uni-Gold™ HIV test kits in your facility have lot number HIV7120026.
    • If you are in possession of these falsified test kits with lot number HIV7120026:
    1. Please do not use.
    2. Please immediately contact the organization that supplied you with the product (either your HIV testing programme, nongovernmental organization or local distributor).
    3. Please contact Trinity Biotech plc

    Phone : +353 1 276 9800

    E-mail : hiv@trinitybiotech.com

    1. Please contact your national health authorities

    All medical products must be obtained from authentic and reliable sources. Their authenticity and condition should be carefully checked.

    Advice on action to be taken by national health authorities:

    WHO requests increased scrutiny within the supply chains of all countries, particularly at testing sites (health facilities, community-based), clinical laboratories, medical stores/warehouses, and at the facilities of relevant economic operators (agents,
    authorized representatives, distributors, wholesalers, etc.).

    If these falsified test kits with lot number HIV7120026 are discovered, please do not use.

    National health authorities are asked to immediately inform WHO, if these falsified products are discovered in their country using the WHO IVD complaint form.

    If you have any information concerning the manufacture, distribution, or supply of this product, please contact rapidalert@who.int

     

    WHO Global Surveillance and Monitoring System for Substandard and Falsified Medical Products

    For further information, please visit our website: https://www.who.int/medicines/regulation/ssffc/en/ 
     

    Medical Product Alert N°2/2020
    Read More
    https://www.who.int/news-room/detail/27-03-2020-medical-product-alert-n-2-2020

    Views: 0

  • Simpang Renggam sample gathering task possibly over within 10 days: MOH

    Simpang Renggam sample gathering task possibly over within 10 days: MOH

    Simpang Renggam sample gathering task possibly over within 10 days: MOH 1

    PUTRAJAYA: The Ministry of Health (MOH) expects to gather all samples from the two Covid-19 affected areas in Simpang Renggam, Johor now under the Enhanced Movement Control Order (EMCO) within 10 days.

    Health director-general Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah (pix) said MOH was now collecting an average of 300 samples daily, especially from the targetted high-risk group.

    “There are 3,000 residents in both the villages, so we expect to complete the task within 10 days.

    “The (ministry) team has been going house to house to make sure we detect the targetted high-risk group. We will conduct sample testing on this group even if they do not show symptoms,” he said at the daily media briefing on Covid-19, here today.

    Dr Noor Hisham was responding to questions on developments with regard to the sample-gathering exercise in Kampung Dato’ Ibrahim Majid and Bandar Baharu Dato’ Ibrahim in Simpang Renggam that commenced last Friday.

    In another development, Dr Noor Hisham said to date, a total of 18,271 Covid-19 screenings had been done on the Sri Petaling mosque tabligh cluster.

    “Of these, 14,111 samples were taken, with 1,290 testing positive, 8,083 negative while results of another 4,738 are pending.

    The MOH has also advised that any distribution of food items by non-governmental organisations (NGO) must adhere to regulations and standard operating procedures of the National Security Council (MKN) as such matters were not under the MOH’s purview.

    “We have to comply as right now, the Movement Control Order (MCO) is in force, so there are risks for the NGOs when they are on the ground, especially when there is close contact.”

    “Their actions are well-intended but the MCO must be enforced strictly,” Dr Noor Hisham said when replying to questions on guidelines that should be taken by NGOs when distributing food items to frontliners. – Bernama

    Simpang Renggam sample gathering task possibly over within 10 days: MOH
    Read More
    https://www.thesundaily.my/local/simpang-renggam-sample-gathering-task-possibly-over-within-10-days-moh-GN2197293

    Views: 0

  • Work together, practise social discipline to curb Covid-19: Health DG

    Work together, practise social discipline to curb Covid-19: Health DG

    Work together, practise social discipline to curb Covid-19: Health DG 2

    PUTRAJAYA: Malaysians must work together and practise social discipline in order to flatten the Covid-19 infection curve, said Health director-general Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah.

    He said that in the past two weeks Malaysia had recorded around 150 to 200 positive Covid-19 cases daily and the Ministry of Health (MOH) had been monitoring the trend closely to ensure there is no exponential spike.

    “Now we have completed two weeks, so another two weeks to go. It is up to us and if all of us come together and we practise and embrace (the advice) that you stay at home, and we, MOH, will continue our public health activity like active case detection, increase testing, finding targeted groups and isolate them early, then we can actually break the chain of Covid-19 transmission in this country.

    “So the next two weeks is all up to you and me; if we can all have a social discipline, I am sure that we can actually flatten the curve to avoid the exponential spike. If not, we may see a surge in Covid-19 positive cases in mid-April like (that) predicted by JP Morgan and the Malaysian Institute of Economic Research,“ he said at a press conference on Covid-19, here today.

    Dr Noor Hisham said that thanks to MOH’s active case detection, Malaysia had not recorded any exponential spike like 900 to 1,000 cases in one day.

    “That means we continue to go to the community identified as a high-risk group through targeted approach and then test them. There will be some cases that will be detected as positive; our detection of positives is about 8%,“ he said.

    Dr Noor Hisham also urged all Malaysians returning from overseas to home-quarantine for 14 days.

    “We fear that the second wave is all imported cases. Malaysians coming back from overseas, that is the group that we are worried about as we fear they may bring back the Covid-19.

    “Although they are negative, we still have to quarantine them for 14 days. Those positive we isolate them in our hospitals,“ he said.

    He said MOH was aware that some Malaysians who returned from overseas broke the home quarantine rule.

    When asked about the possibility of the MCO being extended until Ramadan, he said it was too early to make any conclusions now.

    “We will only know after the first week of April. If we continue to flatten the curve or there is no exponential increase, then I think we can safely make a decision.

    “In terms of the Ramadan bazaars, they need to follow MOH standard operating procedure or guideline and have to take all precautionary measures to break the Covid-19 infection chain,” he added.

    Asked on calls for the imposition of Enhanced Movement Control Order (EMCO) in red zones, he said this would be done if there is a rapid increase in positive cases in these areas.

    The government enforced the EMCO in the area from Batu 21 to Batu 24 Sungai Lui, Hulu Langat, Selangor, yesterday, the second area to be placed under such restrictions after Simpang Renggam, Johor where Kampung Dato’ Ibrahim Majid and Bandar Baharu Dato’ Ibrahim Majid were subjected to similar curbs for 14 days beginning Friday. – Bernama

    Work together, practise social discipline to curb Covid-19: Health DG
    Read More
    https://www.thesundaily.my/local/work-together-practise-social-discipline-to-curb-covid-19-health-dg-HN2197191

    Views: 0

  • BREAKING: Buhari’s Chief Of Staff, Kyari, Says He Is Transferring To Lagos For Medical Treatment, Confirms SaharaReporters Story

    BREAKING: Buhari’s Chief Of Staff, Kyari, Says He Is Transferring To Lagos For Medical Treatment, Confirms SaharaReporters Story

    BREAKING: Buhari’s Chief Of Staff, Kyari, Says He Is Transferring To Lagos For Medical Treatment, Confirms SaharaReporters Story 3

    BREAKING: Buhari’s Chief Of Staff, Kyari, Says He Is Transferring To Lagos For Medical Treatment, Confirms SaharaReporters Story 4


    Abba Kyari, Chief of Staff to Nigeria’s President, Muhammadu Buhari, who tested positive for Coronavirus, has said that he will be moving to Lagos for “additional care and observation”.

    Recall that SaharaReporters had exclusively reported that Kyari was seriously ill and tested positive for the virus after returning from a trip to Germany and Egypt. 

    SaharaReporters had also reported that the Presidency was making plans to move Kyari to Lagos for intensive care. 

    See Also

    BREAKING: Buhari’s Chief Of Staff, Kyari, Says He Is Transferring To Lagos For Medical Treatment, Confirms SaharaReporters Story 5

    Exclusive

    EXCLUSIVE: Presidency To Move Abba Kyari To Lagos For Treatment After Testing Positive For Coronavirus

    0 Comments

    5 Days Ago


    Kyari in a statement on Sunday said, “I am writing to let you know that on medical advice I will transfer to Lagos later today for additional tests and observation. 

    “This is a precautionary measure: I feel well, but last week I tested positive for Coronavirus, the pandemic that is sweeping the world. I have followed all protocols government has announced to self-isolate and quarantine.

    “I have made my own care arrangements to avoid further burdening the public health system, which faces so many pressures. 

    “Like many others that will also test positive, I have not experienced high fever or other symptoms associated with this virus and have been working from home. I hope to be back at my desk very soon.

    “Like the whole world, we are dealing with a new disease. Our experts are learning more all the time about  Coronavirus, what it does and how we can combat it.

    “This is a disease that recognises no difference between North and South, men or women, rich or poor. We are all in this together.”

    Nigeria so far has 97 confirmed cases of the virus and one recorded death. 
     

    Politics

    PUBLIC HEALTH

    Breaking News

    News

    AddThis

    : 

    Original Author

    : 

    Saharareporters, New York

    Disable advertisements

    : 
    BREAKING: Buhari’s Chief Of Staff, Kyari, Says He Is Transferring To Lagos For Medical Treatment, Confirms SaharaReporters Story
    Read More
    http://saharareporters.com/2020/03/29/breaking-buhari%E2%80%99s-chief-staff-kyari-says-he-transferring-lagos-medical-treatment-confirms

    Views: 0

  • Over 5,000 tabligh attendees yet to get screened

    Over 5,000 tabligh attendees yet to get screened

    Over 5,000 tabligh attendees yet to get screened 6

    PUTRAJAYA: Over 5,000 attendees of the tabligh gathering at the Sri Petaling Mosque have yet to undergo Covid-19 screening, according to Health director-general Datuk Seri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah.

    He said to date, a total of 17,965 attendees were screened with some 12,842 samples taken.

    “Of the total, 1,254 have been tested positive, 7,084 were confirmed negative while 4,504 are awaiting Covid-19 test results,” he told a press conference, here today.

    Dr Noor Hisham said out of the 150 new confirmed cases today, 63 were linked to the Sri Petaling Mosque tabligh cluster.

    On the illegal immigrants and those from the Rohingya ethnic group who were also at the tabligh gathering, he said the Health Ministry is collaborating with several non governmental organisations (NGOs) to ensure all of them get screened.

    “Those illegal immigrants may be afraid to come forward but at least when they go to the clinics (with the help of the NGOs), we will have the data to enable us conduct the necessary treatment and screening,” he added.

    The NGOs are the Islamic Medical Association of Malaysia’s Response and Relief Team (Imaret), Mercy Malaysia and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).

    Meanwhile, Dr Noor Hisham said the 100,000 test kits from China received by the ministry were meant for laboratory use and are not rapid test kits.

    “We have also identified the laboratories that will be using the test kits,” he said.

    He also said the ministry had received the supplies of reagents used for Covid-19 testing which would allow the test to be conducted at full capacity.

    “We will continue to outsource the test to seven priavate laboratories,” Dr Noor Hisham added. – Bernama

    Over 5,000 tabligh attendees yet to get screened
    Read More
    https://www.thesundaily.my/local/over-5000-tabligh-attendees-yet-to-get-screened-GJ2193877

    Views: 0

  • Schistosomiasis elimination: refocusing on snail control to sustain progress

    Schistosomiasis elimination: refocusing on snail control to sustain progress

    Substantial progress has been made during the past decade to prevent and control schistosomiasis (also known as bilharziasis) globally. The disease affects more than 230 million people, mostly in sub-Saharan Africa.

    Progress is mainly due to large-scale periodic treatment of affected populations with praziquantel, the only medicine recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) against all forms of schistosomiasis. Regular treatment cures mild symptoms and prevents
    progression to severe, chronic disease.

    “Through progressive scale-up of periodic large-scale treatment
    to control morbidity in many endemic countries, we are closer to
    achieving the minimum target of 75% global coverage of all school‐aged
    children,    ” said Dr Amadou Garba Djirmay, who leads WHO’s global schistosomiasis control programme. “But
    if we want to achieve elimination, we must go a step further to
    introduce snail control in hot spots and in areas targeting elimination.
    This is bound to increase impact and accelerate progress towards
    interruption of transmission    .”

    Expansion of treatment is largely supported by donated praziquantel from Merck KGaA of up to 250 million tablets annually. In 2018, almost 78 million children were treated, representing 63% of all school‐aged children eligible for treatment.

    Transmission: role of snails

    Schistosomiasis is an acute, chronic parasitic disease caused by infection with trematode worms of the genus Schistosoma. It is prevalent in tropical and subtropical areas, especially in poor, rural communities that have little or no access to
    safe drinking‐water and basic sanitation. Infection is transmitted when people suffering from schistosomiasis contaminate freshwater sources when evacuating urine and faeces containing the parasite’s eggs.

    Once an egg comes into contact with fresh water, it releases miracidia (hatchlings) which enter a snail and produce hundreds of cercariae (larvae) daily. The cercariae enter the human body on contact with the skin and develop into adult worms.

    Besides treatment with praziquantel, eliminating snail hosts and improving sanitation are important methods for sustainable prevention of the disease. Dam and irrigation projects are known to be potential sites for outbreaks of the disease. Snail management,
    often achieved through mollusciciding, can help to reduce transmission by eliminating these intermediate snail hosts.

    Vector control

    In 2017, the World Health Assembly – WHO’s decision making body – adopted resolution WHA70.16 on the Global Vector Control
    Response, calling on Member States to develop or adapt national vector control strategies and operational plans. The strategy aims to reduce by at least 40% the incidence of vector borne diseases, including schistosomiasis, by 2025.

    In response, WHO is reinforcing snail control as part of its strategic approach to achieve the target of eliminating schistosomiasis as a public health problem and, ultimately, the goal of elimination of transmission. Snail control will complement mass
    treatment campaigns and sustain the public health impact of this core intervention.

    To facilitate implementation of snail control, in 2019 WHO published on specific, standardized procedures and criteria for efficacy
    testing and evaluation and in 2017 a manual on the use of molluscicides in the field. WHO is also planning to strengthen capacities
    of health staff in medical malacology in order to reinforce snail control activities in countries.

    In the past, molluscicides (particularly niclosamide1 based products) were widely used in schistosomiasis control programmes. For example, in China programmes largely relied on snail control for over 30 years to overcome the disease as a public
    health problem. In other parts of the world, however, snail control programmes were gradually discontinued and competencies faded away.

    “Snail control is a crucial component of the global schistosomiasis elimination strategy,” said Dr Rajpal Yadav, Scientist, WHO Department of Control of Neglected Tropical Diseases. “It
    is time we look for new snail control products that are cost–effective
    and of low risk to humans and the environment. Some efforts are being
    made to explore molluscicide compounds from plants, marine algae and
    microorganisms    .”

    An integrated control strategy involving mass treatment with praziquantel, snail control and environmental modification, wider access to sanitation and safe water, economic and environmental development, health education and poverty-alleviation can greatly
    contribute to sustainable control and elimination of schistosomiasis.

    WHO’s new road map on neglected tropical diseases for 2021–2030, due to be launched later this year, advocates enhanced financial and political support to achieve the target of interruption of transmission. Additional research to address gaps,
    develop tools and optimize the impact of existing programmes with snail control will complement the core strategic approach.

    Schistosomiasis: forms of the disease

    There are two major forms of schistosomiasis – intestinal and urogenital.

    Intestinal schistosomiasis usually results in diarrhoea and blood in the stool; enlargement of the liver and of the spleen and portal hypertension are common in advanced cases.

    Urogenital schistosomiasis is characterized by the presence of blood in the urine. Chronic infection results in fibrosis of the bladder and ureter that can evolve to hydronephrosis and create conditions for bladder cancer.

    In women, urogenital schistosomiasis can cause vaginal bleeding, pain during sexual intercourse and nodules in the vulva, a condition now described as female genital schistosomiasis. In men, urogenital schistosomiasis can induce disease in the seminal
    vesicles and prostate.

    1Limitations with the use of formulations based on niclosamide include restrictions on the usage of water immediately after application and temporary toxicity to non-target aquatic organisms including
    fish, amphibians and invertebrates. 

     

        Schistosomiasis elimination: refocusing on snail control to sustain progress
        Read More
        https://www.who.int/news-room/detail/25-03-2020-schistosomiasis-elimination-refocusing-on-snail-control-to-sustain-progress

        Views: 0

      • Coronavirus: Stop Wasting Testing Kits On Politicians, AIED Tells NCDC

        Coronavirus: Stop Wasting Testing Kits On Politicians, AIED Tells NCDC

        Coronavirus: Stop Wasting Testing Kits On Politicians, AIED Tells NCDC 9

        Coronavirus: Stop Wasting Testing Kits On Politicians, AIED Tells NCDC 10

        NCDC


         

        The Advocacy for Integrity and Economic Development has urged the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control to stop wasting “limited testing kits” on political office holders and government officials. 

        In a statement on Thursday by its Director of Media and Publicity, Comrade O’Seun John, the organisation said the unchecked usage of the scarce testing kits for COVID-19 on government officials and politicians is appalling and a disservice to ordinary Nigerian, who deserve to be truly tested. 

        The statement reads, “We have noticed with utmost dismay the unending wastage of scarce testing kits for COVID-19 on politicians and political office holders at the detriment of the masses. 

        “We find this endeavour as a disservice to the people of Nigeria who should be the primary focus of the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control and Ministry of Health. 

        “From several reports, the NCDC conducts an average of two tests on governors, senators, House of Representatives and Assembly members, Chief of Staff to the President amongst other influential figures in the country. 

        “These individuals have been solely responsible for the decades of decay and backwardness our health care system is facing. They stood aloof and budgeted billions of naira for frivolous expenses while the citizens suffer in penury, they do not deserve to enjoy the benefits from magnanimous philanthropists who have inconvenient themselves to help Nigerians. 

        “It is also on record that most, if not all, of the cases recorded or perceived in the corridors of power have been caused by the sheer refusal to submit to simple emergency protocols and checks at the airports. Nigerians should not then be the ones suffering for the ego and pride of these few ones. 

        “While we acknowledge that not every Nigerian will get tested for COVID-19, it is extremely important that these testing kits are kept safely for the primary use of the average Nigerian. 

        “The present statistics of less than 200 individuals who have received testing from the NCDC is disgraceful for a population of almost 200 million people. NCDC must channel its resources on improving the testing rates for Nigerians.

        “The NCDC should leave the politicians alone and focus on Nigerians who are more in number and at a greater risk. If any politician feels the need to get tested, such politician can charter a flight to Europe, Asia or America where they get their routine medical check-up.” 

         

         

         

        PUBLIC HEALTH

        News

        AddThis

        : 

        Original Author

        : 

        SaharaReporters, New York

        Disable advertisements

        : 
        Coronavirus: Stop Wasting Testing Kits On Politicians, AIED Tells NCDC
        Read More
        http://saharareporters.com/2020/03/26/coronavirus-stop-wasting-testing-kits-politicians-aied-tells-ncdc

        Views: 0

      • WHO satisfied with Malaysia’s preparedness in dealing with Covid-19

        WHO satisfied with Malaysia’s preparedness in dealing with Covid-19

        WHO satisfied with Malaysia’s preparedness in dealing with Covid-19 11

        PUTRAJAYA: The World Health Organisation (WHO) is pleased with Malaysia’s level of preparedness in handling the Covid-19 pandemic.

        Health director-general Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah (pix) said the matter was learned at a recent meeting between the WHO and the Ministry of Health (MOH).

        “What Malaysia is doing is the first method, the MCO (Movement Control Order),“ he told reporters at a media conference at MOH, here today.

        Dr Noor Hisham said Malaysia’s second method of controlling Covid-19 transmission was by conducting active case detection or identifying positive case patients – searching, testing, isolating and treating.

        In addition, Malaysia also identified the Covid-19 target groups – those who attended the tabligh gathering at the Sri Petaling Mosque, illegal immigrants and the Rohingya community, he said.

        He said the MoH had also consulted with the local authorities to carry out cleanup exercises of public areas which is expected to be implemented within the next two days.

        Asked about the number of doctors in Malaysia at the moment, he said so far there were enough doctors, and the ministry is in the process of recalling 3,000 retired nurses and health workers.

        “However, the MoH did not wait for all 3,000 retired medical personnel to come forward to register for employment. For example those who have skills in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and ward have been employed. More than 1,000 retired personnel are already placed in Sungai Buloh Hospital,” he said.

        Asked about the teleconference between MOH officials and doctors from China in the afternoon, Dr Noor Hisham said Malaysia wanted to know about the new method used by China in treating Covid-19.

        “For example the use of Avigan (medicine). The side effects need to be studied first. Even though it is not registered in Malaysia it can get the approval of the director-general of health,” he said.

        He added among the new methods shared by China is to use the blood of patients who have healed, as plasma to thicken the antibody.

        “But MoH is unsure whether this approach is effective or not,“ he added. – Bernama

        WHO satisfied with Malaysia’s preparedness in dealing with Covid-19
        Read More
        https://www.thesundaily.my/local/who-satisfied-with-malaysia-s-preparedness-in-dealing-with-covid-19-GL2184967

        Views: 0