Dr. Noura Al Dhaheri, head of digital cluster at Abu Dhabi ports and CEO, Maqta Gateway, said: “I am very pleased that Abu Dhabi is hosting this major global summit, which we hope will be a milestone moment in our collective effort against the pandemic.”
“We know that strategically solving logistical issues relating to the physical movement of the vaccines must be undertaken in lockstep with fully integrated digital solutions that ensure the full supply chain transparency and compliance. By exploring technological solutions such as blockchain in addressing global supply chain challenges, we will help provide humanity with the certainty that distributed vaccines are safe and secure.”
Martin Drew, senior vice president sales and cargo – Etihad Aviation Group, said: “As a founding partner of the HOPE Consortium, this inaugural summit further cements Abu Dhabi’s position as a global logistics hub for the distribution of COVID-19 vaccines. The collaboration of leading experts and decision makers from around the world will further elevate the discussion on finding additional solutions to the largest challenge the sector has faced.
“Etihad Cargo continues to play a vital role in the global distribution solution and leverages its expertise in pharmaceutical logistics and its global network to support the development of an international and collaborative solution with all stakeholders and partners.
“A number of critical shipments of COVID-19 vaccines and other medical supplies have already been carried through Etihad Cargo’s IATA CEIV certified PharmaLife product, utilising a temperature-sensitive cargo solution for between +25⁰C and -80⁰C across the network.”
Rashed Saif Al Qubaisi, CEO, Rafed, said: “The first edition of the summit will serve as a meeting point for global stakeholders to discuss the future dissemination of COVID-19 vaccines. As we continue to successfully roll them out in the UAE, we must also look abroad to see how the strong bonds we have created at home can ultimately benefit our neighbours, the wider region and the rest of the world.
“By managing the contracts and finances for all healthcare and medical supplies, as well as the logistics for the COVID-19 vaccines, Rafed has been at the distribution epicenter for the HOPE Consortium’s immunisation efforts. From receiving millions of doses from manufacturers to the housing and supply to hospitals and clinics across the UAE, Rafed’s state-of-the-art facilities have provided the Consortium with central locations to streamline the delivery of the vaccine.
“Rafed’s Distribution Centre is powered by cold storage technology enabling us to cater for all temperature bands ranging from 2-8ºC storage to – 80ºC deep freezer capabilities for vaccine storage and handling.”
Richard Ettl, CEO, SkyCell, said: “Global collaboration is crucial to fighting the COVID-19 pandemic and the HOPE Consortium is a great example of a public private partnership. However, there must be bigger collaboration in play to really make the cold supply chain work seamlessly between governments, vaccine manufacturers, NGOs, airlines and airports as well as packaging companies who are all coming together to ensure the process is as safe as possible. The World Immunisation & Logistics Summit brings together the thought leaders of the vaccine supply chain so that we can achieve our common goal – and so that more people can get protection from this virus.”
