The UAE has left no stone unturned in its battle against the pandemic. While the country has been forward thinking in its approach, it has also adopted a very hard line in terms of dealing with people who default in observing quarantine protocols, violate curfew stipulations, etc, etc (“UAE COVID-19 vaccine has no side effects: Health Minister,” Aug. 19, Gulf Today).

Thanks to these measures the mortality rate and spread of the virus are being effectively contained. Today we the residents, expats and visitors to this country can breathe easy, all credit to the decision makers and prudent leadership. While the galloping numbers of COVID-19 cases have sort of subsided in some countries across the world, it is not yet the time to take it easy. We still need to adhere to health guideline, mandated regularly by the health authorities, religiously.

While we do our bit, the scientists and researchers are doing their best to find the silver bullet to the pandemic. Yes, many candidates are close to success. In that respect I wish to laud the UAE government for makes rapid strides in putting to test one likely vaccine.

The news reports state the UAE successfully screened and vaccinated 15,000 volunteers in what is deemed as the world’s first Phase III trials of an inactivated vaccine for COVID-19. The highlight of the whole exercise is that the country achieved the target in less than a month with individuals from 107 nationalities participating in the programme.

But that is not all. For me the greatest test of the nation’s resolve was to see the Chairman of the Department of Health - Abu Dhabi, become the first volunteer to commence the trial of Phase III of the said vaccine. Reports also state that he has also received the second shot of the vaccine.

That is a very loud statement of the country’s commitment to finding a reliable and safe vaccine to the virus which is plaguing the world. Hats off to the UAE and its leadership.

Desiree R — By email