Abu Dhabi, UAE- 15 May 2024- In reflection of the Emirate’s advanced healthcare infrastructure, The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH), the regulator of the healthcare sector in the Emirate, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with GSK, a leading biopharma company, during Abu Dhabi Global Healthcare Week (ADGHW) to establish GSK regional vaccine distribution hub in Abu Dhabi. The MoU is based on key pillars aimed at enhancing innovation, capabilities, health services and disease prevention in Abu Dhabi.

In the presence of Edward Hobart, Ambassador of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland to the UAE, H.E. Mansoor Al Mansoori, Chairman of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi and Sir Jonathan Symonds, Chairman of the GSK Board, the MoU was signed by H.E. Dr. Noura Al Ghaithi, Undersecretary of DoH and Boyd Chongphaisal, Vice President and General Manager, GSK Gulf.

Click here to join our WhatsApp channel

The key pillars on which the collaboration will be based are: the establishment of a regional vaccine distribution hub in Abu Dhabi; working together to maximise the strategic and healthcare impacts of the establishment of the GSK Vaccine Regional Distribution Hub; collaborating to ensure the successful establishment and operation of the Hub; and exploration of opportunities to foster knowledge exchange and capability building through collaboration between GSK and the UAE; and jointly focusing on prevention strategies to address public health challenges effectively.

Her Excellency Dr. Noura Khamis Al Ghaithi, Undersecretary of the at Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH), said: “By cultivating partnerships on the global stage, Abu Dhabi has earned a catalyst role in strategically mapping the future trajectory of the healthcare industry, focusing on improving patient outcomes, strengthening healthcare systems, and promoting equitable access to essential medicines and vaccines. This collaboration underscores our dedication to fostering innovation, technological advancement, and sustainability in the healthcare sector, ultimately contributing to the well-being of our local population and those in need around the world.”

Boyd Chongphaisal, Vice President and General Manager, GSK Gulf, said: “As a global biopharma company, GSK is dedicated to developing transformational vaccines and medicines. With a focus on driving innovation, we aim to positively impact millions of lives across the Gulf countries through strategic partnerships. Through establishing a regional vaccines distribution hub in Abu Dhabi, we will be able to meet the increasing demand for GSK vaccines in the region, Near East and South Asian countries, advancing healthcare standards and addressing public health challenges.”