As COVID-19 continues to affect people around the world, researchers are racing to develop effective treatments to help save lives, improve the health outcomes for patients and lessen the burden on health systems. 

Several therapeutics have been approved by WHO to help patients, and several others are in the development, testing or review process. Thousands of trials investigating COVID-19 interventions have been registered or are ongoing. WHO, through its COVID-19 Solidarity Therapeutics Trial, is coordinating global efforts to find drugs and other therapies that can save lives for those with severe or critical COVID-19. 

Although health care options for patients with COVID-19 are improving, we must continue to follow public health guidance to prevent the spread of the disease, including wearing properly fitted masks, cleaning our hands, ensuring good ventilation indoors, physically distancing and avoiding crowds. Getting vaccinated against COVID-19 as soon as it’s your turn is the best way to reduce your risk of contracting the disease or developing severe symptoms.