The World Health Organisation -WHO has urged countries to improve the access to the two lifesaving Ebola drugs, in its first guidelines on tackling the viral disease, in a Friday publication.
The suggestion follows a review and analysis of clinical trials for the monoclonal antibodies mAb114, otherwise called Ansuvimab or Ebanga) and REGN-EB3 aka Inmazeb, which have shown clear benefits for individuals who have tested positive for Ebola, which is often fatal.
This includes older individuals, pregnant and breastfeeding women, children, and newborns whose mothers were confirmed to have Ebola within the first seven days after birth.
The clinical trials were carried out during the Ebola epidemic.
WHO additionally reported that the biggest trial was carried out in DR Congo, and it showed the increased level of scientific rigor that can be done during Ebola outbreaks.
The UN agency also gave recommendations regarding therapeutics that could be used as treatments, which included ZMapp and remdesivir. The work published simultaneously in English and French, will be supporting healthcare providers looking after Ebola patients as well as the policymakers involved in the outbreak preparations and response.
As the access to this treatment of Ebola remains challenging, especially in poor areas, WHO recommends that they should be made available where they are needed the most, especially in locations where active Ebola outbreaks are occurring, and where the threat of an outbreak is high or most likely.
The United Nations agency is committed to supporting countries, manufacturers, and partners to improve access to the two drugs.
