Storage and distribution of the ‘Evusheld’ medication will be facilitated through the Rafed Distribution Centre
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 immune-compromised 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.
Under the authority of the Department of Health–Abu Dhabi (DoH), the first doses of Evusheld arrived in Abu Dhabi on 20 December 2021.
This followed a collaboration of key partners including Rafed, the UAE’S Primary Group Purchasing Organization and the procurement arm of the UAE, along with Etihad Cargo and AstraZeneca, the British-Swedish multinational pharmaceutical and biotechnology company, and Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC).
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.
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. It reflects the directives of the UAE’s leadership and DoH’s efforts to focus on innovation, clinical research, real-world evidence generation, digital health and the global positioning of Abu Dhabi as a life science hub.
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.
“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,” affirmed Dr. Jamal Mohammed Al Kaabi, Undersecretary of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi.
“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,” asserted Rashed Al Qubaisi, CEO, Rafed.
“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,” stressed Martin Drew, Senior Vice President Sales and Cargo and Etihad Aviation Group
“The UAE is one of the first countries globally to procure and receive doses of Evusheld,” observed Sameh Elfangary, AstraZeneca’s Country President, GCC and Pakistan.
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 centred, COVID-19 response based on collaboration with leading local and international pharmaceutical companies. “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,” concluded Mohamed Hussein, General Manager, Abu Dhabi Airports Company.
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