Presentations

Scientific developments, adapted technologies, and new collaborative models have evolved rapidly since SARS-CoV-2 was first identified. Building on the science and public health responses from other infectious diseases including SARS, MERS, Ebola and HIV, the existing body of knowledge has been applied to inform and bolstered the urgent response to the challenges posed by SARs-CoV-2. This special session will showcase perspectives from three world leading scientists in the response to COVID-19 including views for the ways forward and prospects for bringing the pandemic under control. The session will provide updates on the latest science on COVID-19 (epidemiology, infectivity, pathogenesis, incubation period), how the virus affects people as well as address the status of potential treatments and vaccine prospects. The session will also offer an opportunity to learn about the response to COVID-19 across Africa and in the USA, learnings gained from previous pandemics and social and economic consequences of control measures in low and middle-income countries.