ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia

Ethiopia has approved the use of Dexamethasone to treat seriously ill coronavirus patients.

“Following recommendation from our clinical advisory group and health professionals national advisory council, the Ministry of Health recommends the emergency use of low dose Dexamethasone for COVID-19 patients," Liya Kebede, the health minister, said on Friday.

Dexamerhasone is used in the treatment of many conditions, including rheumatic problems, a number of skin diseases, severe allergies, asthma, chronic obstructive lung disease, croup, brain swelling, eye pain following eye surgery, and along with antibiotics in tuberculosis.

Earlier this week, the World Health Organization welcomed the initial clinical trial results from the UK that show dexamethasone, a corticosteroid, can be lifesaving for patients who are critically ill with COVID-19.