The University of Zambia (UNZA) says it has continued to make strides towards finding the cure for the corona virus using natural products.
Speaking in an interview with Zambian Business Times-ZBT, UNZA School of Natural Sciences Lecturer and Researcher, Dr. James Nyirenda said he has continued to gather various plants which can be used and is currently testing the cells to see if they are able to destroy the virus.
Dr. Nyirenda said one of the major challenges has been in the procurement of special cells which are used in the testing of viral infections worldwide.
He also said progress has been made, the consignment of cells which need to be used have been ordered from Germany and will be in the country a month from now and then more tests will be performed.
Dr. Nyirenda further said that the project which started in August this year has a timeline of 12 months.
However, major global pharmaceutical firms such as Pfizer have announced that they plan to release the COVID 19 cure before the end of this year. Once the big pharma row out their corona virus cures, this project may only be viable for finding a local and more cost efficient solution to the pandemic.
