Covid-19: Sheikh Mohammed launches research centre on communicable diseases in Dubai

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai, launched a medical research centre in Dubai on Tuesday that will focus on research on communicable diseases in the country.

According to a statement issued by the Dubai Media Office on Tuesday, the Dubai Ruler has launched the Dh300 million Mohammed Bin Rashid Centre for Medical Research Centre to focus on communicable diseases, including the novel coronavirus Covid-19.

"It also brings the revival and resumption of Arab scientific excellence seen throughout our Arab history," Sheikh Mohammed said.

.@HHShkMohd: We have launched the Mohammed Bin Rashid Centre for Medical Research at a total value of AED 300 million. The Centre will focus on research on communicable diseases in the country, in addition to research on COVID-19. 

"We have launched the Mohammed Bin Rashid Centre for Medical Research at a total value of Dh300 million. The Centre will focus on research on communicable diseases in the country, in addition to research on COVID-19.

"Medical research is an important part of our society's health security system and a guarantee for the sustainable development of our country. It also brings the revival and resumption of Arab scientific excellence seen throughout our Arab history."

UAE is at the forefront of combating the virus in the world having expanded the scope of testing nationwide to facilitate the early detection of coronavirus cases and carry out the necessary treatment. Nearly 5.6 million tests have been carried out so far.

The country's health sector has also made great strides in developing a vaccine for the disease - with the world's first phase 3 clinical trials of an inactivated vaccine underway in the UAE. The trial will include 15,000 participants from across the country, including citizens and expats.

Earlier in 2019, the UAE Cabinet adopted a policy to combat communicable diseases, as well as federal draft laws related to public health and restructuring the country's Health Council.

The cabinet also adopted the 'National Policy for Communicable Disease Control' that aims to assist sick people and promote community health, to create a healthy environment without communicable diseases. The policy will also support the country's efforts to keep pace with the latest developments in combatting communicable diseases through an integrated health approach that involves many sectors.

The cabinet will also draft the necessary plans and programmes to develop the nation's capacities and encourage cooperation in combatting communicable diseases.

The meeting approved a federal law on public health to promote human health and protect the society from all health risks. The law also aims to enhance the cooperation and coordination for the preparedness and required response to face health problems.