Kathmandu, Aug. 25 -- The Nepal Health Research Council has decided to allow international researchers to conduct Covid-19 vaccine trials in the country as part of a global effort to stop the virus. However, this is not a panacea, and an exit strategy from this pandemic should not just include vaccines.

Vaccines may or may not work, and their immunity rates will vary. Other methods for tackling SARS-CoV-2 need to include diagnostics and therapeutics.

Diagnosis

At present the definitive diagnosis is made by a cumbersome and sophisticated RT- PCR (Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction) with a sample taken from the back of the mouth or naso-pharynx.

More user-friendly tests need to be made available soon if we are to make testi...