The use of ivermectin for the treatment of prevention of COVID-19 has generated significant global interest. The use of this repurposed medicine is being heavily promoted via social media. However, given the limited evidence of efficacy and safety, as well as appropriate dosing of ivermectin, its place in therapy and prophylaxis remains uncertain at this point.
Research question: Should ivermectin be used for managing COVID‐19 patients compared to no intervention or an alternative intervention?
The National Department of Health and the Solidarity Fund are pleased to announce that the down payment of 19,2 million USD (amounted to R283m at the exchange rate at time of payment) has been made to GAVI (the Vaccine Alliance) to secure South Africa’s entry into the COVAX facility
Health Minister Dr Zweli Mkhize on Friday announced that a variant of the SARS-COV-2 Virus (COVID-19) – currently termed the ‘501.V2 Variant’ – has been identified by genomics scientists in South Africa.
The Department of Health is committed to ensuring that all essential medicines are available, at the appropriate level of care, to all patients in need. From time to time there are interruptions in the availability of medicines at the facility level.
The National Essential Medicines List COVID-19 subcommittee of the South African National Department of Health are conducting rapid reviews to inform the National Clinical Guidelines for the Clinical Management of suspected or confirmed COVID-19 disease. These timestamped reviews are available on the website of the National Department of Health, along with the draft methods guide and Terms of Reference of the subcommittee. The reviews will be updated as additional research evidence becomes available
The diagnosis of acute COVID-19 relies on detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA by real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) from respiratory samples. Viral shedding from the upper respiratory tract is greatest between the presymptomatic period and within the first week of symptoms but drops off rapidly over time.