Abu Dhabi vaccine hub opens in 'logistics milestone' for capital
The logistics centre, developed by authorities in the capital in partnership with pharmaceutical giant GlaxoSmithKline, has been hailed as a strategic milestone for the emirate.
The facility, based at Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi (Kezad) and operated by Rafed, a subsidiary of PureHealth, is now up and running after receiving its first shipment.
It will manage a portfolio of more than 20 vaccines for both adults and children to support efforts to boost immunisation rates and limit the spread of a number of diseases.
It features advanced cold-chain and smart distribution technology to preserve vaccines in temperature-controlled environments while being stored and when distributed to other parts of the world.
The hub is connected to Etihad Cargo's PharmaLife network, which links Abu Dhabi to more than 100 international destinations and offers time-sensitive, temperature-controlled freight services tailored for pharmaceutical products.
'The operational launch of Abu Dhabi's regional vaccine hub signals our readiness to serve the region with speed, precision, and reliability,' said Dr Noura Khamis Al Ghaithi, Undersecretary of Abu Dhabi's Department of Health.
'More than a logistics milestone, this reflects our long-term vision to position Abu Dhabi as a trusted partner in global health where innovation and resilience translate into timely access and measurable public health impact.
'Through this hub, we are making vaccines more accessible to communities across borders and strengthening the UAE's leadership in preventive, future-ready healthcare.'
The hub has been developed under a major global partnership also including Abu Dhabi Investment Office Abu Dhabi Ports Group and Etihad Cargo.
Boyd Chongphaisal, vice president and general manager for GSK Gulf, spoke of the significance of the launch of the drug manufacturer's first distribution centre in the Middle East and its fourth in the world.
'The launch of our vaccine distribution hub in Abu Dhabi represents a shared commitment to health security, innovation, and access,' he said. 'Through our strategic partnership with DoH and local stakeholders, we are combining scientific excellence with operational strength to ensure timely, efficient delivery of vaccines across the region.'
The partnership between Abu Dhabi and GSK builds on firm foundation developed during the Covid-19 pandemic.
In June 2021, Abu Dhabi became the first city to receive Sotrovimab, a GSK-developed drug that eased the symptoms of the most critically ill Covid patients. More than 23,000 people benefited from the drug, and the partnership opened new doors for research collaboration.
The UAE cemented its status as a key global player in healthcare logistics during the pandemic, as governments sought to secure swift and efficient methods to deliver essential vaccines.
Abu Dhabi's Hope Consortium oversaw a 19,000-square-metre cold and ultra-cold storage facility in Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi, which housed tens of millions of Covid-19 vaccines being delivered around the world.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Khaleej Times
2 hours ago
- Khaleej Times
UAE: More women are choosing to freeze their eggs despite social stigma; here's why
This year, 25-year-old Arab expat M.A. is making a bold and proactive decision of freezing her eggs. A communications professional based in the UAE, M.A. said it wasn't an easy conversation to have, especially coming from a conservative Arab background. "It took me a lot of courage to broach this subject with my family. But my parents were open-minded and supportive of my decision," she shared. "I am nowhere close to even meeting a partner, let alone getting married. That is why I decided that I want to take this step. I am the eldest of three girls and I think I am going to set an example for my sisters as well," she added. M.A. is one of a growing number of women in the UAE exploring fertility preservation. In recent months, several events have aimed to educate and empower women about their reproductive choices. In May, science and technology company Merck partnered with femtech firm Ovasave to host an evening of discussion to encourage more women to take informed decisions about their fertility. Earlier this month, media agency TishTash followed suit with an event focused on IVF and egg freezing. Growing interest 'I have seen a noticeable rise in interest from women seeking information about egg freezing,' said Cassie Destino, founder of IVF Support UAE. 'As fertility preservation becomes a more mainstream conversation, more women are learning about their options and recognising that this kind of proactive healthcare can be an empowering choice for their future.' According to Dr Charles Badr Nagy Rafael, consultant obstetrics and gynaecology at Medcare Women and Children Hospital, he has seen more women opting for egg-freezing. 'More women are freezing their eggs in their late 20s and especially by 30s for various reasons such as focusing on career, waiting for the right partner, or managing health issues like endometriosis,' he said. 'It's an empowering option that gives women more control over their future.' He added that many women learn about their infertility only when they start trying for a child and often times, it is too late. 'If women often have painful periods, discomfort during intimacy or ongoing pelvic pain, it could be a sign of endometriosis,' he said. 'The good news is, we have ways to detect it early like simple scans or minor procedures and explore options like egg freezing or treatment to help protect your future fertility. The key is not to wait talk to your doctor early if something doesn't feel right," he added. Sarrah Barakat, government affairs – access and communications director at Merck Gulf said she wished she had known about the option to freeze her eggs when she was younger. "I had my son at 38, and the entire pregnancy was filled with anxiety — worrying about age-related risks like Down syndrome and other such issues that could show in late pregnancies,' she recalled. She believes that as society encourages women to pursue careers and delay traditional paths like marriage and motherhood, it's essential they're made aware of their reproductive choices. "It is really just about giving them another option.' Stigma persists Despite rising awareness, many women still face challenges in accessing egg freezing and IVF — primarily due to cost. 'Because it's not considered an 'essential' healthcare in the way disease treatment is, many women hesitate to spend that kind of money, especially on something that feels uncertain or far off in the future. There's also a perception that the process will be long, painful, or overly complicated. "In reality, it's far more manageable than many expect. But it can still feel like a major step, especially when you're not even sure if you'll ever need to use the frozen eggs. That emotional and financial unknown can be a real hurdle for many women," Cassie noted. Dr Charles added that although things have gotten a lot better, there is still some stigma around the biological clock and fertility risks. 'There's still a long way to go,' he said. 'With all the talk about IVF and egg freezing, many young women think they can hit pause on fertility, but biology still plays by its own rules. Egg quality naturally declines with age, even if you feel perfectly healthy. That's why we encourage open, honest conversations early on so you can plan your future with confidence.'
Zawya
4 hours ago
- Zawya
‘Aspire to Become a Doctor': Gulf Medical University empowers 100 high school students through real-world medical exposure
Ajman — Gulf Medical University (GMU), one of the region's premier academic health institutions, proudly announces the successful certification of 100 high school students from its flagship preparatory program, Aspire to Become a Doctor. This milestone highlights not only the growing enthusiasm among youth to pursue careers in medicine but also the rising demand for admission to Gulf Medical University's world-class programs. The Aspire to Become a Doctor program, hosted annually at GMU's campus in Ajman, is designed to introduce high school students to the dynamic world of medical education and healthcare careers. Through immersive sessions, hands-on workshops, lab exposure, and direct interactions with GMU faculty and healthcare professionals, students gain a first-hand understanding of what it takes to become tomorrow's doctors, dentists, pharmacists, researchers, and healthcare leaders. Prof. Manda Venkatramana, Acting Chancellor, Gulf Medical University, stated, 'We are proud of these bright young minds who've completed this journey with passion and dedication. The Aspire to Become a Doctor program not only fuels their dreams but also equips them with clarity, confidence, and early exposure to healthcare careers. As GMU expands its academic footprint, initiatives like these help shape future-ready students who can thrive in the evolving world of medicine.' Prof. Hesham Marei, Acting Vice Chancellor – Academics, added, 'The overwhelming response to the program is a reflection of GMU's growing reputation as a hub for academic excellence. We are committed to nurturing ambition and building a strong foundation in medical sciences through innovative learning, early exposure, and mentorship.' The program received an amazing response this year, with hundreds of applications pouring in from across the UAE and abroad. The high level of interest reflects the growing recognition of GMU's academic excellence and its integrated network of hospitals, research centers, and global affiliations. With GMU's continued expansion—across the globe and international partner universities—there is an unprecedented demand for admission into its undergraduate and graduate programs in Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Nursing, Physiotherapy, Health Sciences, and more. As the race for healthcare careers accelerates globally, Gulf Medical University continues to stand out as the go-to destination for future doctors and health professionals. Applications for the upcoming academic year are open, and seats are filling fast.
UAE Moments
5 hours ago
- UAE Moments
UAE and Jordan Amplify Aid Efforts in Gaza Crisis
UAE and Jordan Deliver Humanitarian Aid to Gaza Amid Crisis Collaborative Efforts by the UAE and Jordan The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Jordan have intensified their humanitarian efforts in the Gaza Strip, conducting critical air missions to deliver aid to civilians during an ongoing humanitarian crisis. The UAE announced on Sunday that it completed its 54th humanitarian and relief air drop, according to the state-run WAM news agency. Meanwhile, Jordan carried out three air drops, one of which was coordinated with the UAE, as reported by the Petra News Agency. Aiming to Reach Isolated Areas The UAE emphasized that these missions aim to provide essential aid to civilians stranded in areas of Gaza that are otherwise unreachable by land. The air missions utilized C-130 aircrafts from the UAE Air Force and the Royal Jordanian Air Force, successfully delivering 25 tonnes of food and humanitarian supplies to affected areas. Israel's Limited Pause in Hostilities In a response to escalating global criticism and increasing humanitarian concerns, the Israeli military announced a 'limited pause' in fighting in three densely populated areas of Gaza: Gaza City, Deir Al Balah, and Al Mawasi. The pause began on Sunday, July 27, and is scheduled daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. local time until further notice. The stated goal of this tactical pause is to enable the delivery of aid and to address the acute hunger crisis affecting the population of Gaza. Rising Starvation and Malnutrition Reports from the Gaza Health Ministry reveal the gravity of the humanitarian situation. The ministry has recorded 133 deaths from malnutrition, including 87 children, with six new deaths reported in the past 24 hours alone. Among the tragic cases is that of a five-month-old infant, Zainab Abu Haleeb, who succumbed to malnutrition at Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis. International Alarm Over Humanitarian Crisis Global concerns over the deteriorating situation in Gaza have grown significantly. Aid organizations warn that the territory's 2.3 million residents are facing mass starvation, prompting calls for immediate action. On Sunday, the Egyptian Red Crescent dispatched over 100 lorries carrying 1,200 metric tonnes of food supplies into southern Gaza through the Karam Abu Salem crossing. Pressure on Israel Over Aid Restrictions A coalition of 25 countries, including France, Britain, and Canada, recently condemned the restrictive flow of aid into Gaza, calling Israel's withholding of humanitarian essentials 'unacceptable.' French President Emmanuel Macron's recognition of Palestinian statehood in September reflects an international shift toward addressing Palestinian suffering more directly. UN Pledges to Enhance Aid Efforts The United Nations has welcomed the limited ceasefire, viewing it as an opportunity to intensify aid delivery to Gaza's starving population. Speaking on his official account on X, UN Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher stated that teams on the ground are prepared to respond immediately. However, Fletcher cautioned about the catastrophic and worsening conditions in the enclave. UN's Call for Increased Access The UN highlighted the need for Israel to open crossings, allow the entry of fuel and equipment, and ensure the safety of humanitarian workers. Fletcher's office stated that if these measures are implemented, they could accelerate the distribution of essential aid, including food supplies, clean water, medical resources, and shelter materials, in Gaza. Deadlock in Ceasefire Negotiations Efforts to mediate a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, led by Qatar, have hit a standstill. Both Israel and the United States acknowledged on Friday that negotiations had stalled due to Hamas's perceived unwillingness to reach an agreement. These developments occur as international scrutiny sharpens over Israel's handling of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Future Aid and Relief Prospects
