Bahrain approves COVID-19 vaccine for frontline workers

Manama: Bahrain has officially approved a COVID-19 vaccine for frontline workers as new figures reveal that Coronavirus death rates in the GCC are among the lowest in the world.

The G42-Sinopharm vaccine candidate, which is nearing the end of phase three trials in Egypt, Bahrain and Jordan, will now be rolled out across the country.

It comes as John Hopkins University released COVID death rates placing Bahrain ninth in the world with 0.39%. The UAE and Kuwait scored 0.37% and 0.62% respectively in the rankings of 168 global countries, placing them 8th and 16th.

GCC nations took a series of precautionary measures against the outbreak, including mass population testing and the construction of field hospitals, resulting in praise from the World Health Organisation.

In the past month, Bahrain’s efforts to reduce the spread of the virus have resulted in increased recovery rates and a 45% decrease in active COVID-19 cases.

The Kingdom has also revealed a rapid testing service which can accurately diagnose COVID-19 in 15 minutes without the need for a specialist laboratory.

Public buses have been converted into mobile testing units and citizens summoned for tests at random, while early interventions included screenings at entry points and restrictions on travel from high-risk areas.

All confirmed cases are quarantined and treated, with those unable to maintain social distancing at home accommodated in quarantine centres.

In the UAE, police have deployed smart helmets capable of scanning temperatures of hundreds of people every minute.

With a rapidly growing population driving demand for new medical services and technologies, healthcare is a critical policy focus area for the Bahrain government.

In line with its Vision 2030, the Kingdom is focused on becoming a leading centre for modern medicine, offering high-quality and financially sustainable care for patients throughout the GCC region.