The world's first trials for the third stage of the inactive "Covid-19" vaccine, which is being conducted in the UAE, have made a new major achievement with more than 5,000 volunteers receiving the first dose of the vaccine.
The vaccine No. 5000 was given in the presence of the Acting Health Undersecretary, Dr. Jamal Al Kaabi, at the newly established Registration and Examination Center at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center (ADNEC). Al-Kaabi was the second participant in the vaccine program, and received the second dose this week.
The experiments were launched in Abu Dhabi on the 16th of last July under the management of the G42 Healthcare Company in partnership with the Abu Dhabi Health Department, the Ministry of Health and Community Protection and the Abu Dhabi Health Services Company (SEHA). The inactive vaccine was developed by Cinopharm CNBG, the sixth largest vaccine manufacturer in the world.
The feeling of shared commitment had a great impact in encouraging volunteers from more than 80 nationalities to participate in the experiences, inspired by the commitment of the UAE leadership to address the epidemic, by uniting the efforts of cooperation globally.
The daily capacity of the ADNEC facility reaches more than 1000 volunteers, and the center continues to open its doors daily from 8:00 in the morning until 8:00 in the evening, in order to accommodate the largest possible number of volunteers.
Finally, the Qurain Health Center in the Emirate of Sharjah was opened, with a daily capacity of 500 volunteers.
Commenting on the success of the experiments to date, this event represents an important achievement for the ongoing clinical trials and a testament to the global commitment and a high sense of responsibility Towards humanity for all who live in the Emirates ». She added: “We have reached 5000 vaccine recipients faster than we expected, and we believe that our experiences of the inactive vaccine are moving faster than similar testing operations anywhere in the world, thanks to the national spirit of volunteerism and the strength of the health care system in the UAE.” She said that volunteers, medical and administrative staff worked tirelessly to reach the goal of 15,000 volunteers receiving the vaccine in the coming weeks.
For his part, the CEO of G42 Healthcare, Ashish Kochi, called on residents of the UAE to continue to volunteer and benefit from the centers located in Abu Dhabi and Sharjah, which will facilitate the registration, medical examination and vaccination procedures for volunteers.
Thousands of volunteers who received the vaccine belong to a wide variety of nationalities residing in the Emirates, and have different ages ranging between 18 and 60 years.
A student studying in Abu Dhabi who was among the volunteers said: “I am proud to participate in clinical trials, especially since the medical staff provided us with a clear and useful explanation of the whole process. I am also optimistic about the success of the clinical trials, and that we will provide a successful vaccine against the UAE Coffid-19 virus to the UAE and all of humanity. ”
A resident said: "I have been living in the UAE for four years, in which this country has given me a lot, and the best way in which I can return the favor is to volunteer to participate in vaccine experiences."
Part of a series of national initiatives aimed at promoting population health and supporting medical research and development in the UAE, including the local capacity to manufacture the vaccine, is to expand the range of trials across the country. The trials follow the international guidelines established by the World Health Organization. The third stage of clinical trials on the inactive vaccine follows the success of the first and second stages, conducted by the company "Cinopharm CNBG" in China, where they resulted in volunteers generating antibodies after receiving two doses of the vaccine within 28 days.
The third stage will be available to volunteers who live in the Emirates, and will continue for a period of 6 to 12 months, where volunteers will be required to attend to follow up on their condition during this period.