Why Nigeria’s considering plasma of recovered COVID-19 patients for treatment ─Minister

*Serum plasma therapy could be used for COVID-19 patients in intensive care  ─Dr. Osagie Ehanire

Alexander Davis | ConsumerConnect

Following claims that persons who suffered COVID-19, and have recovered will have antibody inside their plasma which can be used to treat others, Dr. Osagie Ehanire, Honourable Minister for Health has disclosed that the Federal Government is working on a research, using plasma from the blood of recovered Coronavirus patients to treat others infected with the virus.

Dr. Ehanire, who stated this Sunday, June 14 at a news conference to commemorate the World Blood Donor Day (WBDD), in Abuja, FCT, said some research institutes were already working on the new research on the possibility of using plasma of recovered COVID-19 patients to treat serious cases, says agency report.

The Minister said some research institutes were already working on the new research involving plasma of patients recovered from COVID-19, called Convalescent plasma.

Convalescent Plasma for Serum Plasma Therapy Photo: Coronavirus Today

He said: “It is believed that persons who suffered COVID-19 and have recovered will have antibody inside their plasma, which can be used to treat others.

“It can be used to treat others who are not able to build anti-body fast enough or those who are suffering from severe form of the virus.

“Yes, our research centres are participating in looking at what advantages and benefits can come out of convalescent plasma.

“I have seen this particular research in Lagos; it is part of what will be studied and the result will be published so research is going on it.’’

Report said the approach was used by Guinea in the Ebola epidemic in 2014, prior to the availability of Ebola vaccines and therapies.

Also, in Mauritius, 150 people who have recovered from COVID-19 have indicated they are willing to give plasma in line with the national decision to use serum plasma therapy for COVID-19 patients in intensive care.

Ehanire, nevertheless, urged Nigerians to donate blood to save lives of those in need, adding that people should shun some myths surrounding blood donation.

“Myths are part of ignorance that education should fight and stakeholders are supposed to enlighten people on this issue, that your blood is something that can save somebody’s life.

“The blood is regenerated in your system; your body is stimulated to replace that blood donated so that blood that you donated, very soon, it is filled by your system.

“It is filled in such a way that a man can donate four times in a year while women can donate up to three times a year, provided they are tested fit.

“They can donate provided they are free of any sickness, and provided they will not suffer any disadvantage from donating the blood.’’

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