Phase III inactivated vaccine trial achieves milestone

ABU DHABI: The world’s first Phase III trials of an inactivated vaccine for COVID-19 in the United Arab Emirates have reached the 15,000 volunteers target in less than a month with individuals from 102 nationalities participating in the programme.

Managed by G42 Healthcare in partnership with the UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention, MOHAP, the Department of Health - Abu Dhabi, and Abu Dhabi Health Services Company, SEHA, the trials successfully screened and vaccinated 15,000 volunteers with the first of two vaccine shots they are given in the process.

Volunteers can still register through the portal www.4humanity.ae.

The inactivated vaccine has been developed by Sinopharm CNBG, a leading vaccine manufacturer.

Moving forward, volunteers are going through the next stage, receiving their second shot, and continue to undergo regular monitoring and health checks, with full support provided by the health services to ensure their wellbeing.

Since launching on 16th July in Abu Dhabi, the #4Humanity trials captured the imagination of the UAE’S multinational population eager to help fulfill the UAE leadership’s commitment to overcome the pandemic through a global collaborative effort.

The volunteers encompass 102 nationalities and diverse demographics, including more than 4,500 Emiratis. Over 140 doctors, 300 nurses, and many more administrative and technical support staff helped to facilitate the vaccine trial.

Volunteers have benefited from quick and simple protocols, enabling them to easily access walk-in centres at ADNEC in Abu Dhabi and Al Qarain Health Centre in Sharjah to be registered, screened and administered their first vaccination in one visit.

Commenting on the achievement, Dr. Abdul Rahman Bin Mohammad Bin Nasser Al Owais, Minister of Health and Prevention, said, “This is a very proud day for everyone associated with these trials and we are looking forward to continuing to play an integral role in the work to come in the months ahead.”

Securing this milestone is a testament to the commitment and partnership of the relevant authorities working together to conduct the largest possible number of medical tests and providing the necessary care for those infected. It also strengthen the UAE’S cooperation with international partners to develop a safe vaccine against disease, he added.

In turn, Sheikh Abdullah Bin Mohammed Al Hamed, Chairman of the Department of Health - Abu Dhabi, was the first individual in the world to commence the trial of a Phase III inactivated vaccine for COVID-19 and has received the first and second shot.