Donated COVID drugs start flowing to poor nations — but can’t meet demand

Donated COVID drugs start flowing to poor nations — but can’t meet demand Nature - Pilot schemes will explore test-and-treat logistics, amid efforts to bolster meagre supplies to low- and middle-income countries. Ledford, Heidi nature

A programme to bring oral COVID-19 antivirals to low- and middle-income countries has launched with an initial donation of 100,000 courses of treatment, to be distributed in 9 sub-Saharan African countries and Laos.

By the end of September, the COVID Treatment Quick Start Consortium aims to begin treating people in these countries with Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir–ritonavir), an antiviral drug developed by Pfizer in New York City. The programme is backed by non-profit organizations such as the Clinton Health Access Initiative, Americares and the COVID Collaborative, along with Duke University in Durham, North Carolina, and other partners.

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