The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH), the regulator of the healthcare sector in the Emirate, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with GSK, to establish a regional vaccine distribution hub in Abu Dhabi.

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

The key pillars of the collaboration 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 its successful establishment and operation; 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.

Dr Noura Khamis Al Ghaithi, Undersecretary of the 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."

Boyd Chongphaisal, Vice President and General Manager, GSK Gulf, said "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."

This strategic approach emphasises the critical role of robust immunisation programmes in addressing the evolving healthcare landscape. As the UAE navigates demographic shifts, prevention emerges as a core principle driving these strategies.