Vaccine. (Photo: Courtesy)
Scientists are working around the clock to develop a vaccine for the new coronavirus that has spread to almost all continents across the world and killed more than 4,000 people.
Dr. Marianne Mureithi, a lead research scientist at KAVI-ICR, projects a period of 12 to 18 months for scientists to develop a vaccine for the virus.
“In reality vaccine science takes quite some time because there is need to first understand the virus, understand which targets need to be used so as to have an effective vaccine, but nevertheless there is active research that is on going around the world trying to come up with this vaccine and I am sure within 12 and 18 months we will have a vaccine ready to use,” says Dr. Mureithi.
On whether Africans are resistant to coronavirus, Dr. Mureithi reiterates that it is yet to be proven by research and urges Africans to be vigilant.
“From our studies, these germs do not discriminate against skin color and race. So far there is no data that shows black people are immune. We need to be vigilant simply because we are quite susceptible just like any other person,” Dr. Mureithi says.
Coronavirus has killed more than 4,000 people and over 113,000 cases confirmed globally.
The University of Nairobi has organized a public forum to discuss the disease in Main Campus.
The event will be held on 12th March, 2020 at Chandaria Auditorium, UoN Towers from 2.00-4.00pm.
The panelists, who are mainly researchers from UoN will discuss health, social and economic impact of the disease that is giving countries sleepless nights.
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