Combating coronavirus: Over 100 frontliners in Abu Dhabi volunteer for Covid-19 vaccine trial

More than 100 frontline medical professionals from seven hospitals in Abu Dhabi have volunteered for the ongoing Phase 3 trials of a Covid-19 vaccine.
In a multi-phase initiative, frontliners from VPS Healthcare's LLH, Lifecare, Burjeel, and Medeor Hospitals in Abu Dhabi, Musaffah and Al Ain joined the 4Humanity vaccine trial programme.
During the Eid Al Adha holidays, the first batch of 109 healthcare workers received the first shot of the vaccine at the facility set up at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (Adnec).
Dr Lalu Chacko, medical director at Burjeel Hospital Abu Dhabi, said hundreds of health workers from VPS Healthcare will be registering for the trial in batches. "We are expecting at least 500 of our healthcare staff to be part of this."
Antu Joseph, a nurse at LLH Hospital Musaffah, has been separated from her children because of the pandemic and hopes the vaccine will be able to contain the virus soon.
"The pandemic has toppled the lives and hampered the hopes of many. Covid-19 has separated my children from me. They are in India with my parents. I have been longing to see them for months. I was planning to bring them here but all plans were cancelled because of the pandemic. Only a vaccine could contain this," Joseph said.
Dr Mohanad Motasim Mohammed, a general practitioner at Medeor Hospital Abu Dhabi, is excited to be a volunteer. When he came for the shot, he couldn't help but think of how medical professionals are praying hard for a vaccine.
"During the last few months, I have seen many patients who have come to me struggling to breathe and fighting other complications. Sometimes, I felt desperate at my limitation in helping the patient as we do not have a proper cure for the disease."
Gilbert Jr. Frias Soriano, staff nurse at Burjeel Hospital Abu Dhabi, noted that even as there is a significant drop in the number of Covid-19 cases in the UAE, the threat is still around.
"We need a vaccine to get out of this. Millions of people across the world are still suffering. By volunteering for this programme, I am continuing my battle against the Covid-19," he said.
Dr Sajith P.S., general surgeon at LLH Hospital, Musaffah, said it's everyone's duty to support the trial programme. "Clinical trial programmes held across the world are progressing at a fast pace. It is imperative that we support such programmes. When Seha called for volunteer participation, I felt that it is my duty to be a part of it."
ashwani@khaleejtimes.com 

Ashwani Kumar

Ashwani Kumar is a versatile journalist who explores every beat in Abu Dhabi with an insatiable curiosity. He loves uncovering stories that are informative and help readers form their own opinions.

ashwani@khaleejtimes.com