PH barangays with highest COVID cases to join ‘WHO Solidarity Trials’

In this file photo, the World Health Organisation logo is seen at the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland. (Laurent Gillieron/Keystone FILE via AP)

MANILA, Philippines — Recipients of the vaccine under the World Health Organization (WHO) Solidarity Trials will come from the top five to 10 barangays in the country with the highest COVID-19 cases, the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) on Emerging Infectious Diseases said.

According to IATF’s Resolution No. 68, it will be based on the “attack rates per 1000 population per barangay,” the data of which coming from the Department of Health’s (DOH) Epidemiology Bureau.

“Trial sites will be at the barangay level, and randomization will be by households. The household census will be obtained from the barangay/s to identify residents to ensure follow up,” the resolution dated Sept. 3 and released to the press on Monday said.

The DOH will be responsible for monitoring and managing the database of all trial participants.

The Philippines is just among some 45 countries that will contribute to WHO’s search for the treatment of the novel coronavirus, which has sickened over 27 million people worldwide.

The Department of Science and Technology earlier said clinical trials in the Philippines for various COVID-19 vaccines will most likely start by the fourth quarter of 2020.

For more news about the novel coronavirus click here.
What you need to know about Coronavirus.
For more information on COVID-19, call the DOH Hotline: (02) 86517800 local 1149/1150.

The Inquirer Foundation supports our healthcare frontliners and is still accepting cash donations to be deposited at Banco de Oro (BDO) current account #007960018860 or donate through PayMaya using this link.