Abu Dhabi receives first shipment of AstraZeneca’s Covid-19 medication

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

The antibody medication arrived in Abu Dhabi on December 20 following a collaboration between Rafed, the UAE’S primary group purchasing organisation and the procurement arm of the UAE, along with Etihad Cargo, in addition to AstraZeneca, and Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC).

The medication is designed to prevent severe infection and death amongst immunocompromised patients and will be in addition to the existing Covid-19 medicines already available within Abu Dhabi and the UAE.

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

.@DoHSocial has received the first global shipment of AstraZeneca’s Evusheild (formerly AZD7442), a medication to protect immunocompromised patients against Covid-19. pic.twitter.com/RHf61XcmMU

— مكتب أبوظبي الإعلامي (@admediaoffice) December 20, 2021

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 and Africa.”

Sameh Elfangary, AstraZeneca’s country president, GCC and Pakistan, said, “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.”

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.”

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