WHO Suspends Hydroxychloroquine Trial Amid Safety Concerns

The World Health Organization has temporarily suspended its 3,500 patient international trial of the anti-malarial drug hydroxychloroquine — being studied for the treatment of COVID-19 patients — amid safety concerns.

Among the alarming research cited was a recent study in The Lancet showing that COVID-19 patients receiving the medication had a greater risk of death than those who were not.

NPR's global health and development correspondent Jason Beaubien (@jasonbnpr) is covering the story and joins host Robin Young to discuss the WHO's decision.