Scientists from the Pasteur Institute in Ho Chi Minh City, the National Hospital of Tropical Diseases and the Military Medical Academy, along with vaccine producers, all agreed that the MOST needs to implement research projects immediately to actively respond to the disease both at present and in the long-term.
A test kit for quick diagnosis should be researched and produced in order to proactively help screening tests, especially to control people with epidemiological factors but without clinical symptoms.
In addition, there is a need for an overall study of the epidemiological, clinical, and molecular biology characteristics of acute respiratory infections caused by nCoV.
Assoc. Prof. Phan Trong Lan, Director of Pasteur Institute in Ho Chi Minh City, said that if there is no immediate research then it is impossible to have comprehensive results and documents on the source of the disease, the route of transmission, or the clinical symptoms of the disease.
The research results are also essential for future vaccine production and research, Lan noted.
Furthermore, it is necessary to gradually carry out the initial stages to produce a vaccine against nCoV.
The Company for Vaccine and Biological Production No.1 said that it has contacted a company based in the UK to ask for help regarding the study and production of a vaccine.
Delegates suggested that amid the complicated situation of acute respiratory infections caused by nCoV, the relevant units need to share information, equipment, and research with others.
Deputy Minister of Science and Technology Pham Cong Tac said that he would immediately consult with the Government and the Ministry of Health to develop a plan to appoint several units to produce test kits and shorten procedures to quickly implement epidemiological and vaccine research.
