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Manzari: WHO Didn’t Approve Any Drugs for Treating COVID-19

WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean Ahmed Al-Manzari
WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean Ahmed Al-Manzari
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Manzari: WHO Didn’t Approve Any Drugs for Treating COVID-19

WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean Ahmed Al-Manzari
WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean Ahmed Al-Manzari

In June 2018, Ahmed Al-Manzari was appointed the WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean. Despite not occupying the post for long, Manzari faced a multitude of crises due to the region’s poor health systems that have been wracked by conflict.

Manzari, who achieved “great success” in developing the health system in his home country, the Sultanate of Oman, before assuming his regional position, now faces a radical challenge posed by the new Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Manzari, alongside the WHO, has also been fighting back a lot of rumors spread on social media around the virus.

When asked about the truth behind antimalarial drugs, such as hydroxychloroquine, being used as a cure for the new coronavirus, Manzari expressed growing concerns towards the misuse of drugs with COVID-19 patients.

“This is a worrying situation for us, as there are currently no WHO approved drugs available for treating COVID-19. Another concern is the harmful effect of the use of such (anti-malaria) drugs in terms of drug interactions between different types of drugs and side effects,” Manzari told Asharq Al-Awsat.

As for rumors about a vaccine being developed rapidly, before the end of 2020, Manzari said that developing a vaccine takes years, but that successive health emergencies faced by the world have pushed international efforts closer and strengthened research cooperation.

This, according to the WHO regional director, can speed up the time needed to develop a vaccine and a treatment for the virus.

“Indeed, we were able to develop the Ebola vaccine in much less time, and we are currently working with partners to do the same about COVID-19,” Manzari said.

“To date, the World Health Organization has received requests to review and approve 40 diagnostic tests and 20 vaccines under development, and we confirm that many clinical trials for treatments are already underway, and that all steps and measures that ensure the safety, security, and effectiveness of vaccines and treatments are followed,” he added.

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Nigeria Nears Military Agreements with Saudi Arabia to Boost Security, Combat Terrorism

Nigerian Minister of State and Saudi Deputy Defense Minister in Riyadh (SPA)
Nigerian Minister of State and Saudi Deputy Defense Minister in Riyadh (SPA)
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Nigeria Nears Military Agreements with Saudi Arabia to Boost Security, Combat Terrorism

Nigerian Minister of State and Saudi Deputy Defense Minister in Riyadh (SPA)
Nigerian Minister of State and Saudi Deputy Defense Minister in Riyadh (SPA)

Nigeria’s Minister of State for Defense, Dr. Bello Mohammed Matawalle, told Asharq Al-Awsat that his country is close to signing military agreements with Saudi Arabia. These deals will include joint training, capacity-building programs, counterterrorism training, and intelligence sharing.

He said Nigeria is working to strengthen its strategic partnership with Saudi Arabia. “My visit focused on boosting military cooperation and ties with the Saudi Armed Forces,” he added after meeting Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman.

Matawalle said his country believes in Saudi Arabia’s role in promoting regional stability and global security. He noted that his visit aimed to explore new opportunities, share ideas, and strengthen cooperation to address common security threats.

Matawalle said the talks focused on boosting security ties, including counterterrorism training and intelligence sharing.

“We aim to solidify Nigeria’s partnership with Saudi Arabia and finalize agreements on joint training programs and capacity-building initiatives to strengthen our armed forces,” he said.

He also visited the Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition (IMCTC) headquarters in Riyadh, where he met Secretary-General Maj. Gen. Mohammed bin Saeed Al-Moghedi to discuss enhancing cooperation in security and counterterrorism with Saudi Arabia and other member states.

Counterterrorism Efforts

Nigeria has made strong progress in fighting terrorism, thanks to multi-faceted strategies, according to Matawalle. He pointed to the success of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, which has significantly reduced banditry in the northwest.

In the northeast, groups like Boko Haram and ISWAP have been largely defeated through Operation HADIN KAI, he said, crediting military action and international partnerships, including with Saudi Arabia, for improved intelligence and training.

Matawalle also praised a recent counterterrorism conference in Nigeria, calling it a vital step.

“It highlighted the importance of working together to tackle terrorism and strengthen regional security,” he said.

Matawalle said that the recent counterterrorism conference helped countries share strategies, intelligence, and best practices. He stressed the need for a united front against terrorist networks and highlighted the event’s role in boosting collaboration between African nations and global partners.

Matawalle added that the conference reinforced Nigeria’s leadership in regional security and the importance of partnerships like the one with the IMCTC.

Nigeria Calls for Stronger Arab-African Role in Regional Crises

Matawalle urged Arab-African nations to work together to stop the wars in Palestine and Lebanon. He called for collective action to push for a ceasefire and provide humanitarian aid to those affected.

He emphasized the need for Arab-African countries to use their influence in organizations like the UN and African Union to seek a fair resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

On Sudan’s crisis, Matawalle reaffirmed Nigeria’s support for peaceful solutions through inclusive dialogue. He stressed that clear mandates, logistical support, and collaboration with local stakeholders are essential for success.

“Nigeria is ready to work with regional and international partners to ensure peace initiatives succeed,” he said, highlighting Nigeria’s leadership roles in ECOWAS and the African Union. He also backed deploying mediators to secure ceasefires and deliver humanitarian aid.

Matawalle said deploying African forces in Sudan could succeed if efforts are well-coordinated, properly funded, and internationally supported.

He expressed optimism, pointing to growing agreement among African nations on the importance of African-led solutions. With backing from the African Union and global partners, he believes such initiatives could protect civilians and promote lasting stability.