Over the last few months, Qatar's efforts to contain COVID-19 have been remarkable.

Qatar's solid healthcare system has been instrumental in dealing with COVID-19 cases efficiently. In addition to several of its measures, the country's rate of testing for COVID-19 has also been one of the highest in the world and has been acknowledged by WHO Director-General and as well as the United Nations.

Despite the fight against the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic that has affected over 100,945 individuals in Qatar (as of now), the country continues to ensure self-sufficiency in medicine, research, and academic expertise in contributing towards addressing global challenges like COVID-19.

After overcoming the peak stage of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak and being successful in flattening the curve, Qatar continues its focus on increasing its medical facilities and services while also fostering a culture of research across various specializations in a bid to provide the best possible medical care to its citizens and residents.

Although the COVID-19 pandemic is expected to wean down by the end of summer 2020, the risk of seasonality exists. Therefore, future disposal of agents such as remdesivir might be crucial for ensuring an efficient treatment, decrease mortality, and allow early discharge.

Two articles about COVID-19, Remdesivir in the treatment of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) and Covid-19 induced superimposed bacterial infection has been published by a Sidra Medicine physician Dr. Mohamed Ata Hendaus Rahal, senior attending physician in the department of general pediatrics have been published in the long-established, peer-reviewed Journal of Biomolecular Structure & Dynamic and on the open-access platform Taylor & Francis Online. 

The articles highlighted Sidra Medicine’s increasing research and academic expertise in contributing to addressing global challenges like COVID-19. While the hospital does not treat COVID-19 patients (COVID-19 free facility), its research, pathology, and healthcare professionals are playing an important role in supporting Qatar’s efforts to combat the virus via knowledge sharing in publications and the development of new testing methods.

Dr. Hendaus-Rahal’s first article about the use of Remdesivir in the treatment of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) highlights how the broad-spectrum antiviral medication, has recently become a strong contender in the treatment of COVID-19. Remdesivir has been recently a strong candidate for the treatment of Covid-19.  

Commenting on the first article, Dr. Hendaus-Rahal said: “Recent advances in molecular biology have shown that Remdesivir inhibits the replication (multiplication) of COVID-19 once it is inside the body, hence the individual has a better capacity to get rid of the illness. The medication appears to be effective and safe in the management of COVID-19 infection. Therefore, administering agents such as Remdesivir might be crucial for ensuring efficient treatment, decreasing mortality, and allowing early discharge.” 

The second article highlights how increased levels of severe secondary bacterial infection in patients have been documented by healthcare providers. It is expected that during the COVID-19 pandemic, a large number of patients will require initiation of first-hand antimicrobial treatment as the virus can potentially damage the protective layer of mucous in their windpipes; leading to an increased risk of bacterial infections. The paper recommends the importance of programs to control the proper use of antibiotics.

“I personally felt it was a moral obligation to help share up-to-date information, especially in my capacity as a physician. The papers have been published on open access with the ultimate goal of contributing to the management of the COVID-19 pandemic. I am encouraged to see that the papers have been cited several times and viewed by scholars in many countries. I truly hope that our concerted efforts will help end the pandemic,” concluded Dr. Hendaus-Rahal.

As Qatar entered phase 2 of the easing of restrictions this month, the Ministry continues to urge everyone to follow the recommended preventive measures to help the country defeat COVID-19.

For any queries, or concerns related to COVID-19 in Qatar, the public can contact a 24/7 hotline set up by the Ministry. The hotline number is 16000 and is toll-free.

Here's everything you need to know about the virus, including ways to protect yourself. 

--

Make sure to check out our social media to keep track of the latest content.

Instagram - @qatarliving

Twitter - @qatarliving

Facebook - Qatar Living

 Source: Sidra Medicine