Photo has been used for illustrative purposes.

Mariecar Jara-Puyod, Senior Reporter

The world’s Phase III clinical trial of two COVID-19 vaccines, a partnership between the G24 Healthcare in Abu Dhabi and the Sinopharm CNBG (China National Biotec Group) is a silver lining and UAE residents are looking forward to the finality of the pandemic by 2021.

In the recent “The Fight Against COVID-19: What We Know About Vaccines?” webinar by the Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Award for Medical Sciences and the Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, American physician/consultant to vaccine manufacturers Dr. Stanley Plotkin expressed hope that drug firms all over the world collaborate with one another for the mass production for everyone’s immediate protection.

Burjeel Hospital Internal Medicine specialist Dr. Faisal Hamza Dalvi said, “We are almost there. If this vaccine can give double protection against the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) then that would be a game changer. Apart from neutralizing antibodies, if it could trigger T-cell response, the immunity would be more long lasting. This remains to be seen. I am optimistic and expect the vaccine to be ready by mid-2021. UAE, you make us proud.”

Mental health advocate Dr. Rommel Sergio: “The Phase III trial stirs optimism and hope for humanity. It is with great exuberance as we anticipate the cure that will end the pandemic.”

United International Private School (Dubai) Community Relations manager Jennifer Gonzales: “The vaccine will give humanity the second chance to be kind, understand one another, respect Mother Nature, be less greedy, be more tolerant, and promote love instead of hatred.” Frich Revolution Ambassador/Freedom Sales International vice president Maynard Portugal: “Thank you UAE for always on the look out for whatever you can do for your citizens, the residents and the world. I am excited that COVID-19 would soon be history.”

Jan Barlow: “Truly thankful to the commitment and initiative of the government and people of the UAE. This will benefit countries, like mine, the Philippines. Solving the pandemic sets a high standard for other nations to follow.”

Certified accountant Danish Masih: “Salute and thanks to the team for their service and dedication.”

Thumbay Hospital (Ajman) Pulmonology consultant Dr. Ahmad Almansoury: “The UAE has reiterated its active role in the global efforts to eliminate the pandemic by establishing a safe and systematic clinical trial. It is early to comment on the efficacy of the vaccine since we are still in the clinical trial phases. However, the good thing is that if successful, the vaccine will be beneficial for the high-risk categories.” Al Hathboor Group of Companies (Dubai) deputy general manager Feroz Khan: “Through this clinical trial, efforts to contain the virus and opening up the economy, the UAE has once again shown to the world its great leadership and dedication in addressing global issues. The volunteerism of Department of Health (Abu Dhabi) chairman Sheikh Abdulla Bin Mohammed Al Hamed is a prime example of leadership in action. It gives the people confidence. The possibility of a COVID-19 vaccine by 2021 is a highly optimistic feat that is steering the world right now.”

Noted American physician and immunologist Dr. Anthony Stephen Fauci is “cautiously optimistic” on the availability of a COVID-19 vaccine by 2021. Fauci, said to be among the world’s most trusted infectious disease experts, expressed his opinion over the video interview “Special Report: Coronavirus in Context” with WebMD chief medical officer Dr. John Whyte; a full transcript of which was emailed to Gulf Today. The US National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases director was asked of other COVID-19-related topics wherein he pointed out that all age categories must do their share in continually practising all preventive measures against the upper respiratory tract problem because “not caring means you are propagating the pandemic.” Among Trump’s advisers on the global outbreak, Fauci was enquired about his confidence in the availability of a “safe and effective vaccine within the next few months” as interviewer Whyte referred to a statement by a top official of a global drug company on “the vaccine hype doing a disservice to the public.” Fauci mentioned about a Phase III trial but first said, “Well, I would not say the next few months. But let me tell you what the timetable is. I would not call it a hype. I think what it is, is utilising the current 21st century technology, platform technology that we have, to really make advances quickly in ways that would have taken years before that now takes weeks to months.