By Samira Larbie, GNA
Accra, July 6, GNA – Patients affected by the ongoing Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo have been enrolled in an international clinical trial to evaluate potential life-saving treatments.
The PARTNERS trial is the first to assess experimental therapies specifically for Bundibugyo Ebola virus disease, a strain for which there are currently no approved treatments.
A statement copied to the Ghana News Agency by the World Health Organisation and partners said the study will evaluate the safety and effectiveness of promising antiviral medicines while ensuring participants receive high-quality supportive care.
It said the trial marked a major milestone in efforts to improve survival rates and strengthen preparedness for future Ebola outbreaks.
The statement said the current outbreak had recorded more than 1,400 confirmed cases, with nearly 440 deaths and about 210 recoveries.
It said participants would receive supportive care, including intravenous fluids, oxygen therapy, pain management and close clinical monitoring, while researchers assessed the effectiveness and safety of the experimental medicines.
The statement said conducting research during an active outbreak enabled health authorities to generate critical evidence when it was most needed.
It noted that data generated through the trial could help identify safe and effective treatments, reduce deaths during the current outbreak and improve responses to future Ebola emergencies.
The statement said the findings were expected to inform future treatment guidelines and reinforce global efforts to combat Ebola virus disease through international scientific collaboration.
GNA
Edited by Kenneth Sackey
Reporter: Samira Larbie