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Covid-19: Abu Dhabi receives first global shipment of AstraZeneca's antibody medicine

The medication is designed to prevent severe infection and death amongst immunocompromised patients

Abu Dhabi received the first global shipment of AstraZeneca’s Evusheld, long-acting antibody medication, after gaining Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) from the UAE’s Ministry of Health and Prevention.

The long-acting antibody medication is designed to prevent severe infection and death amongst immunocompromised patients.

This medication will be in addition to the existing Covid-19 medications that are already available within Abu Dhabi and the UAE to ensure the continuity of world-class care in the country.

The breakthrough medication will be stored at Rafed’s Distribution Centre, the region’s largest cold-chain storage facility, and then distributed from there to various destinations.

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Under the leadership of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH), the first doses of Evusheld have arrived in Abu Dhabi on December 20 following a collaboration of key partners including Rafed, the UAE’S Primary Group Purchasing Organisation and the procurement arm of the UAE, along with Etihad Cargo, the national cargo carrier of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, in addition to AstraZeneca, the British-Swedish multinational pharmaceutical and biotechnology company, and Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC).

The collaboration is another important milestone for healthcare, logistics and supply chain entities that continue to contribute to the evolution of Abu Dhabi’s medical sector.

Abu Dhabi continues to top the world’s rankings for its response to the pandemic, topping a list of 50 leading world cities issued by London-based Deep Knowledge Group, confirming the emirate’s pioneering healthcare sector.

Dr. Jamal Mohammed Al Kaabi, Undersecretary of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, said “Under the directives of our wise leadership, we are continuously working towards bringing innovative treatment and breakthrough solutions to the UAE.

"Our collaboration with leading global organisations is a key milestone for Abu Dhabi as it enforces our mission that is focused on safeguarding the health and wellbeing of residents and visitors in the emirate."

Rashed Al Qubaisi, CEO of Rafed, added, “We are proud to be collaborate with leading global pharmaceutical manufacturers that support in the delivery of this new breakthrough medication to our nation. Through our strategic logistics partner network, Rafed is establishing an infrastructure to ensure a streamlined distribution across the UAE and potentially the Middle East & Africa.”

Martin Drew, Senior Vice President Sales and Cargo and Etihad Aviation Group said: ”Etihad Cargo is proud to have played such an integral role facilitating the transportation of the first Evusheld delivery with its specialist PharmaLife logistics solution.

Sameh Elfangary, AstraZeneca’s Country President, GCC and Pakistan, said “We are delighted to see the first doses of Evusheld arrive to the UAE, just over a week after being granted Emergency Use Authorization by the UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention.

"The UAE is one of the first countries globally to procure and receive doses of Evusheld. We appreciate the leading role that the UAE government continues to play in fighting the Covid-19 pandemic by providing early access to innovative medicines for its people.”

This Emergency Use Authorization further elevates Abu Dhabi’s standing as a regional life science hub which has been augmented through the emirate’s effective, human centered, Covid-19 response based on collaboration with leading local and international pharmaceutical companies.

Mohamed Hussein, General Manager of Abu Dhabi Airports Company added, “We are proud to partake in this partnership and support in bringing the innovative medication to the UAE. It is always our pleasure to collaborate with the different partners in Abu Dhabi and support our wise leadership towards ensuring the health and wellbeing of our beloved community.”