Coronavirus: London's Zayed Centre for Research helps fight pandemic

Researchers in the capital are working to identify how the virus is transmitted

The Zayed Centre for Research into Rare Disease in Children is helping the fight against Covid-19 in the UK. Courtesy: Ash Knotek.eaa.gov.ae

A UAE-funded research centre in London is playing a key role in fighting the coronavirus pandemic.

The Zayed Centre for Research into Rare Disease in Children is helping test staff and patients at Great Ormond Street Hospital.

Experts hope blood samples will help establish how person-to-person transmission occurs.

Their results will assist scientists attempting to reduce the spread of Covid-19 across the country.

“Now, more than ever, the importance and need for research is clear,” said Professor David Goldblatt, director of clinical research and innovation at Great Ormond Street Hospital.

“We are incredibly fortunate to have the Zayed Centre for Research and its state-of-the-art facilities to assist us in our task to better understand Covid-19 and how it might be controlled.

“The research we are carrying out, alongside research projects across the world, is vital in helping us find ways to manage this virus.”

The UK has been hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic, with more than 16,500 deaths and just under 125,000 cases.

Globally, more than 165,000 people have died, with 2.4 million people testing positive. More than 636,000 have recovered.

A Dh270 million donation from Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, often referred to as Mother of the Nation, was the catalyst for the centre’s creation.

It opened in July 2019, bringing together hundreds of doctors and researchers under one roof.

Its work is a partnership between Great Ormond Street Hospital, University College London and Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity.

“We are indebted to the world-class scientists and doctors at the Zayed Centre for their commitment to ensuring the welfare of its young patients, and contributing its research capability to better understand a virus that has impacted our global community,” said Dr Maha Barakat, senior advisor to the Abu Dhabi Executive Office.