Q FM Africa's Modern Radio
The Ministry of Health says it will next week commence the administration of the new oral COVID-19 drug called PAXYLOVID to those infected with the virus.
PAXYLOVID, a new oral COVID-19 drug approved by WHO and currently being used in Europe and America, stops the SARS-Cov-2 virus from multiplying and reduces the progression of the disease.
Addressing the media on the COVID-19 situation and other health issues affecting the country, Health Minister Sylvia Masebo is optimistic that the new drug will significantly help Zambia in the fight against COVID-19 and prevent further deaths.
And Ms Masebo says the country currently has 1,001 active cases of COVID-19 of which 26 are admissions, with 13 on oxygen and 4 in critical condition.
She adds that 50 new cases where recorded in the last 24 hours out of 1,250 tests conducted giving a 4 percent national positivity rate.
The Minister has also disclosed that Zambia’s vaccination rate now stands at 43 percent representing a population of over 4.7 million people.
Meanwhile Ms Masebo has announced that the ministry has heightened measures to provide utmost safety and public health security to the guests and the hosts during the AU summit, measures which will include daily Covid 19 testing for the guests and attendees.
And the Ministry of Health has assured that the UTH adult hospital has received reagents for use at the main laboratory, contrary to public assertion that the hospitals laboratory is out of use due to lack of reagents.
Speaking when the minister conducted an on the spot check at the laboratory , Ministry of Health National Coordinator Laboratory services, Dr Aaron Shibemba says the laboratory is operating at full capacity after receiving reagents.
And Ms Masebo has urged ZAMSSA to put in place mechanisms that will prevent the running out of reagents in hospitals.