HOPE Consortium's World Immunisation and Logistics Summit Kicks Off with Call for Global Collaboration on COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution

Strategic Insights -

The two-day virtual Summit, hosted by Abu Dhabi, brought together global healthcare and philanthropic leaders, decision-makers, experts, and senior government officials to explore a unified global approach to fighting the COVID-19 pandemic. In his inaugural address, H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, emphasized the importance of global collaboration in tackling the pandemic, stating, "Our destiny as nations is linked, as global health security depends on the well-being of all societies."

Key Takeaways:

  • The HOPE Consortium aims to deliver 18 billion COVID-19 vaccine doses by the end of 2021, with its unique end-to-end supply chain solution capable of transporting, storing, and distributing vaccines safely, transparently, and efficiently.
  • The Summit featured keynote addresses from Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director General of the World Health Organisation (WHO), on 'Coordinating a global response to mitigate the public health and economic impact of the pandemic'; by Henrietta Fore, Executive Director of UNICEF on 'Ensuring equitable access to the COVID-19 vaccines'; and by Mark Suzman, CEO of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation titled 'No one is safe until everyone is safe: Uniting to vaccinate the world.'
  • The first panel discussion titled 'Cooperation and Collaboration: The collective human effort to save lives and support global economic recovery' brought together industry thought-leaders, including Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Hamed, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Department of Health, to share their perspectives on global partnerships and corresponding actions.
  • Falah Al Ahbabi, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Ports, stated that Abu Dhabi Ports and HOPE Consortium are developing the capacity to safely deliver 18 billion vaccine doses anywhere in the world.
  • Dr. Jamal Mohammed Al Kaabi, Undersecretary, Abu Dhabi Department of Health, emphasized Abu Dhabi's commitment to the global battle against the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting its role in distributing vaccines through partnerships and logistic solutions.

Statistics:

  • 18 billion COVID-19 vaccine doses to be delivered by the end of 2021 through the HOPE Consortium's unique end-to-end supply chain solution.
  • The Summit featured participation from global healthcare and philanthropic leaders, decision-makers, experts, and senior government officials from around the world.
  • The HOPE Consortium aims to bridge the gap between the number of vaccines administered in rich countries and those administered through Covax.

Sources:

  • WAM, Abu Dhabi, 29th March, 2021 (opens in new window)
  • World Health Organisation (WHO)
  • UNICEF
  • Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation
  • Abu Dhabi Department of Health
  • Abu Dhabi Ports
  • HOPE Consortium