UAE’s vaccine trials reach 5,000 volunteers

The world’s first Phase III trials of an inactivated vaccine for COVID-19 being held in the United Arab Emirates have reached a major milestone with over 5000 volunteers have now received their first vaccination.

The 5000th vaccination was given in the presence of Dr. Jamal Al Kaabi, the Acting Under-Secretary of Department of Health, Abu Dhabi, at the recently developed purpose-built walk-in registration, screening and testing centre at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, ADNEC. Dr. Al Kaabi was the second participant in the vaccination programme and received his second shot this week.

The trials began in Abu Dhabi on 16th July and are being managed by G42 Healthcare in partnership with the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, the UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention, MoHAP, and Abu Dhabi Health Services Company, SEHA. The inactivated vaccine has been developed by Sinopharm CNBG, the world’s sixth-largest vaccine manufacturer.

Also Read: Vaccine Trials: Abu Dhabi Officials Get Second Shot

The ADNEC facility can manage 1000 volunteers a day and is open daily from 8 am to 8 pm to allow the maximum number of individuals to participate. A second walk-in centre is also now operational at the Al Qarain Health Centre in Sharjah with a daily capacity of 500.

Commenting on the enormous success of the trials to date, Dr. Nawal Ahmed Alkaabi, UAE Principal Investigator, Sheikh Khalifa Medical City CMO and Chairperson of the National COVID-19 Clinical Management Committee, said, “This milestone marks a significant achievement for the ongoing clinical trials and is testament to the global commitment to humanity of everyone who calls the UAE home.

Also Read: Gates Seeks Vaccine For All Patients

“We reached the 5000 vaccinations faster than anticipated and believe that our trials of the inactivated vaccine are moving faster than comparable trials processes anywhere in the world thanks to the winning combination of a national spirit of volunteerism and the strength of the UAE’s healthcare system.

“I would like to thank our volunteers and the clinical and administrative staff who have worked tirelessly to ensure this success and to make us confident of reaching our goal of 15,000 vaccinated volunteers in the weeks ahead.”

G42 Healthcare CEO Ashish Koshy added, “We are very proud to have achieved this milestone in Phase III clinical trials process so quickly. There has been incredible interest from people across the nation to get involved and support everyone working to make these trials a success and I would like to thank everyone who has already volunteered.”

Also Read: WHO to raise $31.3 bn for Covid vaccine, drugs

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