The Department of Health in Abu Dhabi, in cooperation with the Abu Dhabi Health Services Company (SEHA) and the Abu Dhabi Ports Company (ADQ) of the Holding Company – ADQ – Khalifa University of Science and Technology and Unilabs Laboratories – succeeded in manufacturing the chemical solution that works to extract DNA. The newly COVID-19 pandemic in a period of two weeks from the start of work until production, which is one of the essential components in the examination of the virus.
Abu Dhabi Health Authority & Khalifa University manufacture a solution to extract COVID-19 DNA
The move, which is the first of its kind in the region, comes within the framework of local efforts aimed at achieving the highest levels of self-sufficiency and continuing to enhance the humanitarian role it plays in light of facing the “COVID-19” pandemic and in a manner that supports preventive measures taken to limit the spread of the virus in the state.
The Department of Health in Abu Dhabi indicated that the chemical solution that has proven its effectiveness is manufactured in specialized laboratories in Abu Dhabi and then industrial quantities are produced from it, where the first batch of the solution, which includes 200 thousand units, is now being manufactured .. Noting that the daily production rate of the solution covers 25 % Of the market’s need, which is the same percentage that was imported from abroad so that it is now manufactured in the emirate with the same level of quality that is imported, and it is expected that the quantities in the next batches that will be worked on will reach one million units.
Coronavirus examination stages
The stages of the examination of the emerging coronavirus include 3 main technical steps that begin with collecting swabs taken from patients, and then working on extracting the DNA from the virus. At this stage there is a need to use the solution, and then it is read and analyzed to ensure whether the person’s result is negative or Virus carrier.
Sheikh Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Hamid, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Department of Health said: “The UAE is going with a determination that does not know the impossible, with solid will and joint efforts at all levels to confront the emerging corona virus. The success that we have achieved with our partners in manufacturing the chemical solution to extract the DNA of the virus is a new achievement that invites us to pride and adds to the efforts aimed at supporting the country’s march to contain and control the virus.
He added: «We are confident that this step will enhance the efforts that are devoted to expanding the scope of the COVID-19 virus tests. To this day, more than two million tests have been carried out in the emirate and our dear country deserved to be ranked first in the world in the number of tests that It was made for everyone with the virus, for their commitment and unwavering dedication to putting the health of society in all its segments and spectra at the top of its priorities ».
The Department of Health said that, despite the availability of the solution in sufficient quantities, it was keen to cooperate and coordinate with all parties concerned to move forward in its local manufacture in order to enrich the national capabilities and face any future challenges that might arise in light of the world facing this pandemic, especially as access to the solution became a challenge Worldwide.
For his part, Yap Kalkman, Head of Investment Portfolios at Holding – ADQ – one of the largest holding companies in the region and owns a diversified portfolio of major companies in Abu Dhabi. Based on the vast experience and important resources that we have through a group of experts and specialists in Healthcare, logistics and the corporate package included in the group, we are keen to establish a unique model for solidarity and teamwork in order to set new standards for excellence in local health care systems.
Khalifa University efforts to confront the emerging coronavirus
Dr. Aref Sultan Al Hammadi, Executive Vice President of Khalifa University said: “We are delighted and honored to be part of this distinguished achievement, which represents one of a set of initiatives to find innovative solutions carried out by researchers at Khalifa University to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, and we are also pleased to contribute. Together with the Department of Health Abu Dhabi and the rest of the partners to support the state’s efforts to curb the spread of the new Corona virus and contribute to strengthening the country’s leadership in extracting the DNA of the Coronavirus. ”
He added “Khalifa University, represented by the Center for Biotechnology, contributed to this achievement by providing the necessary research facilities and human capital, as Emirati researchers from Khalifa University are working on the production of the chemical solution completely within the university’s laboratories and ensuring its quality and compliance with the highest standards, This would confirm the academic reputation enjoyed by Khalifa University locally and globally.”
Mohamed Dawood, Director General of Unilabs Laboratories in the Middle East .. “Given the exceptional period the world is going through, we commend the efforts made by the UAE government to protect the health and safety of the population from this epidemic, which bet from the beginning on the importance of providing examinations to the largest A measure of the population, recording exceptional numbers globally. ”
