Coronavirus: UAE's martyrs' office launches nationwide Covid-19 vaccination campaign

Family members of those who died in the line of duty are to receive the coronavirus shot

The Martyrs’ Families’ Affairs Office has launched a national Covid-19 vaccination programme

A nationwide campaign has been launched to ensure families of Emirati servicemen killed in the line of duty receive Covid-19 vaccination.

The Martyrs' Families Affairs Office at the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince's Court will oversee the initiative in partnership with the emirate's Department of Health.

Sheikh Khalifa bin Tahnoon, executive director of the office, said the project was in line with the aims of UAE leadership to provide ongoing support to loved ones of those who lost their lives serving their country.

He commended the efforts of the UAE's health sector to protect the public amid the challenges of the pandemic.

The families of martyrs thanked the office for its continued assistance.

Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak became the latest Cabinet minister to receive a Covid-19 vaccine this week, which is undergoing Phase 3 trial in the UAE.

State news agency Wam published pictures on Wednesday of the Minister of Tolerance receiving the vaccine, manufactured by the Chinese drug maker Sinopharm.

The vaccine requires two shots, several weeks apart, followed by an antibody test to determine if the person has developed resistance to the coronavirus.

So far, the vaccine has been rolled out to frontline medical workers, senior officials and some members of the Cabinet.

It was approved for limited use by the UAE government after Phase 3 trials based in Abu Dhabi. Overall 31,000 volunteers received shots during the trial, which was extended to Jordan and Bahrain in limited numbers.

Last week, Sheikh Saif bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, received the Covid-19 vaccine and posted the image on social media on Monday.

"I thank the medical staff. I wish everyone safety," he said.

Earlier this month, the UAE and Russia said the Emirates would host a trial of the Sputnik V vaccine, developed in Moscow.

The trial is expected to begin soon, with the Russians intending to reveal the results in late November.

Phase-3 trials typically involve tens of thousands of volunteers.

UAE ministers receive Covid-19 vaccine