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It was one of multiple proposals made by leading experts and scientists at a meeting with the Ministry of Science and Technology in Hanoi on March 18, discussing measures, treatment regiments and vaccine production to tackle the disease.
At the meeting, experts emphasised that Vietnam has been proactive in producing the COVID-19 diagnostic test kit and in isolating outbreaks. However, in the face of the increasingly complex situation of the epidemic, in order to prevent worse scenarios, it is necessary to have early solutions for prevention and treatment.
According to Prof., Dr. Nguyen Van Kinh, former director of the National Hospital of Tropical Diseases, in the immediate future, Vietnam should produce service robots, in order to limit cross-contamination. Disinfection robots can work in isolation chambers, helping to clean surfaces and assist in the care of patients, thus easing the burden for doctors and thereby improving the effectiveness of treatment.
In the long term, scientists stressed that research on vaccine production should be carried out because this is the most effective solution to prevent the disease. However, they also said that developing vaccines will take time with multiple different stages.
“Vaccine research requires a long process of extensive research, so we do not expect it within a few months. That's why we need initial research on this SARS-CoV-2 vaccine production in preparation for technology to prevent future pandemics,” said Nguyen Dang Hien, Director of the Centre for Research and Production of Vaccines and Biologicals (POLYVAC).
In addition, delegates at the event also proposed that it is necessary to assess and build controlled quarantine areas to avoid infection, develop mobile disinfection chambers and invest in ventilators in case of multiple cases infected with COVID-19, as well as expanding the network of units capable of testing the virus.
Deputy Minister of Science and Technology Pham Cong Tac said that regarding the urgent suggestions from the experts, his ministry will coordinate with the Ministry of Health and other related agencies in response.
Previously, the Ministry of Science and Technology has approved budget spending and assigned domestic units to perform three research tasks, including producing a quick test kit to detect SARS-CoV-2, researching the virus’ epidemiological characteristics and evaluating the effectiveness and safety of the Lopinavir/Ritonavir combination in treating COVID-19 patients.
