Head of Abu Dhabi’️s health department becomes first volunteer for Covid-19 Phase III vaccine trials

Head of Abu Dhabi’️s health department becomes first volunteer for Covid-19 Phase III vaccine trials

Sheikh Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Hamed is the world's first Phase III Covid-19 vaccine trial volunteer

Sheikh Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Hamed, chairman of the Department of Health - Abu Dhabi (DOH), became the world's first individual to be the subject of a Phase III inactivated vaccine trial for Covid-19.

The department's acting undersecretary, Dr. Jamal Al Kaabi, was the second volunteer to trial the vaccine.

The first group of volunteers including UAE nationals and expatriates received the vaccine at Sheikh Khalifa Medical City today.

The world's first Phase III trial is being conducted as a partnership between Abu Dhabi based G42 Healthcare, and Sinopharm CNBG, the world's sixth largest vaccine manufacturer.

Health authorities in the UAE recently issued a permit for up to 15,000 volunteers to take part in the trials.

G42 Healthcare and Abu Dhabi Health Services (SEHA) have combined forces to ensure a minimum of 5,000 people participate in the first stage of the programme within the UAE.

G42 Healthcare and the local health authorities in the UAE will shortly launch a public awareness campaign to encourage UAE residents to participate in this trial.

Read: UAE to begin Covid-19 vaccine trials with 15,000 volunteers

SEHA is providing facilities at five of its sites in Abu