Scientists all over the world are desperately trying to work on developing a breakthrough vaccine that will kill the coronavirus that caused COVID-19. But an expert on disease has a different view.
The professor of global health at Imperial College London and an envoy for the WHO on COVID-19, David Nabarro said that the world must live with the threat of the coronavirus for the "foreseeable future" as the vaccines for COVID-19 is still uncertain.
Presently, the number of infected cases is already more than 2.3 million, with 160,000 death toll. Dr. Nabarro said that no vaccine can cure all types of viruses for some of them are very hard to eradicate when it comes to the development of vaccines.
"So for the foreseeable future, we are going to have to find ways to go about our lives with this virus as a constant threat," said Dr. Nabarro.
The world will now have a new norm. People who show signs of the disease and those that they were in contact need to be isolated, older people should be protected, and hospital capacity for dealing with cases will have to be ensured.
Uncertain availability of vaccines
A top Oxford University Professor leading in developing the cure for the coronavirus, and professor of vaccinology, Professor Sarah Gilbert said that the cure is not yet certain although there are prospects that are showing positive results in their experiments.
Together with her team, Prof. Gilbert is hoping to begin clinical trials by the end of next week, and alongside these trials are preparations for manufacturing the vaccine in large volumes. In an interview with BBC's Andrew Marr Show, Prof. Gilbert emphasized that clinical trials are a must to know its effectivity against the virus.
As of now, they are only waiting for the final safety tests and final approval for clinical trials. Meanwhile, permission to hire volunteers, take blood tests, check their health status, and explain the process to the volunteers are already approved.
Professor Gilbert noted that the schedule for when vaccines are ready is still difficult to know since its development involves complex stages and factors in testing to consider.
Scientists are hopeful to manufacture vaccines by the end of the year, making sure that it is safe and effective to use.
Cooperation between governments
Former health secretary, Jeremy Hunt calls for the cooperation between all the governments around the world to work together in a new world health system as countries take on different measures in fighting the disease.
The increase in economic concerns which includes the issue of unemployment, has pressured the governments all over the world as to when and how to lift virus-control measures. Mandatory lockdowns have brought widespread hardship as unemployment rates are starting to rise.
The Daily Mail reports that 13 countries which include Canada, Brazil, Italy, Germany, Britain, France, Indonesia, Mexico, Morocco, Peru, South Korea, Singapore, and Turkey have all said that they are committed to working together to address public health, travel, trade, economic and financial measures to minimize disruptions and recover stronger.
