DOST seeks 15K participants for WHO vaccine trials

The Department of Science and Technology is seeking 15,000 participants for the World Health Organization's Solidarity Trial of COVID-19 vaccines, which will begin by the end of January or early February.

This number was increased from the initial target of 4,000 to align with WHO’s goal of rapid enrollment in hotspot areas.

DOST has secured additional funding of P384.4 million for the expanded trial, bringing the total budget to P473.5 million.

The trials will be conducted primarily in Metro Manila, which accounts for nearly half of all COVID-19 cases in the country.

NTF chief implementer Carlito Galvez Jr. expressed excitement about the participation from Metro Manila residents, though he did not confirm if the target number of volunteers has been reached.