Abu Dhabi logistics hub to distribute 70 million vaccines to the world
Amidst an anticipated increase in the logistical demand for vaccines, Abu Dhabi is consolidating its position as a global logistics hub by spearheading the launch of the Hope Consortium in the global fight against COVID-19, which will facilitate the distribution of coronavirus vaccines worldwide.
Most of the vaccines in development require cold storage, which is a logistical challenge. But the centre will ensure that vaccines are stored at the right temperature, are procured and distributed according to demand, and are properly tracked.
As part of its commitment to this immunisation campaign, Abu Dhabi Ports has dedicated a 19,000 square metre temperature-controlled storage facility in Abu Dhabi's Khalifa Industrial Zone (KIZAD), which already houses over one million vials of the vaccine, according to the WAM news agency.
These facilities are equipped with digitally controlled temperature and humidity systems. The state-of-the-art facility has the capacity to store vaccines and other pharmaceutical products in a range of 2 to 8 degrees, as well as even being able to store vaccines at temperatures of -80 degrees.
"As our nation's premier strategic logistics facilitator, we have invested in one of the largest and most extensive logistics capabilities in the region. This puts us in a unique position to support our government's vision and facilitate immunisation efforts to positively impact millions of lives. Abu Dhabi Ports is poised to play a leading role in the end-to-end supply chain, including the storage, processing and distribution of this extremely sensitive product," said Captain Mohamed Juma al-Shamisi, Abu Dhabi Ports' Chief Executive Officer.
Dr Jamal Mohammed al-Kaabi, Under Secretary of the Department of Health - Abu Dhabi, said: "Abu Dhabi continues to play a vital role in the global effort to discover a vaccine for COVID-19. And as part of those efforts, we are providing logistical capabilities that will position the UAE as a distinguished local, regional and global distribution centre.
Robert Sutton, head of the Abu Dhabi Ports Logistics Cluster, said: "Abu Dhabi Ports' ability to expand its capacity to receive and store clinical, pharmaceutical and life science materials in moderate and extreme temperature ranges is a testament to our commitment to providing world-class logistics solutions.
The distribution of the vaccines, which will be stored at the Abu Dhabi Ports Company facility, will be carried out by Etihad Cargo, the first airline in the Middle East to obtain the International Air Transport Association's Mark of Excellence for certification as an independent pharmaceutical logistics validator. The UAE national airline will use its global network to supply the vaccines, as collected by El Correo del Golfo.