Rwanda government plans to introduce the antiviral treatment favipiravir, one of many approved drugs being used as a treatment for COVID-19, the ministry of Health, Dr Daniel Ngamije revealed Monday.Speaking during a talk show on Rwanda Television  (Public), the senior Rwandan health official explained that like  ‘remdesivir’ another antiviral being administered to patient against  COVID-19, favipiravir is a selective inhibitor of the RNA polymerase  involved in viral replication.

According to him, the medicines  regulatory body in the country has already approved favipiravir  as a  treatment for patients infected with Coronavirus.

With the drug  now approved for use, the new drug will be distributed in Rwanda through  healthcare providers opting for a premium quality drug.

Rwandan  health officials say that Generic versions of Favipiravir will be  available as it gets additional regulatory approval and becomes accepted  as a safe, effective treatment for COVID patients.

As of Monday, Rwanda’s Health Ministry said the country’s tally rose to 11,259 confirmed cases, including 146 deaths.

The ministry said 40 patients remain in critical condition, including those who are on respirators.

Kigali accounts for 61 per cent of Covid-19 patients reported in the country since January 1, it said.