Sixty-four of the world’s richest countries have joined forces to distribute Covid-19 vaccines to less developed nations. Their efforts illustrate how central global co-operation will be in the fight against the virus and in overcoming economic obstacles to vaccination.
The Covax Facility, comprising 64 developed nations, is a global initiative that is part of Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, initiated by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. It has helped vaccinate half the world’s children against deadly diseases.
Other global initiatives have successfully curbed the spread of deadly disease and viruses. The Covax Facility is inspired by their successes. In 1988, the World Health Assembly – the decision-making body of the World Health Organisation – passed a resolution to eradicate poliomyelitis, better known as polio.
That same year, the Global Polio Eradication Initiative was founded. It eradicated 99.9 per cent of polio incidences, saving the lives of an estimated 1.5 million people. An additional 16 million people would have been paralysed by the debilitating disease were it not for the GPEI’s vaccination campaigns.
The GPEI had, however, 32 years to achieve this goal. The international community is hoping to contain the coronavirus pandemic in much less time. Funds and co-ordinated efforts are needed at all levels for the global Covid-19 vaccination campaign to be a success. The UAE is a long-time supporter of Gavi, and its first donor from the Middle East. As early as 2011, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, contributed $ 33 million to immunisation campaigns in Afghanistan, and more than $150 million since 2013 towards polio vaccination in Pakistan and Afghanistan. In 2017, the UAE pledged $5 million to for a programme meant to help developing nations modernise their immunisation systems.
Even the most developed countries have struggled to contain this global health crisis. The US is the world’s biggest economy, yet it is the nation with the most Covid-19 cases.
Yet deploying an adequate coronavirus response is even more challenging for developing nations. Two out of the three most coronavirus-hit countries globally are poor countries with large populations. But if countries work together to deliver vaccines, the result will benefit everyone, including Middle Eastern countries that have recently seen a surge in infections. This includes crisis-hit Lebanon, which has witnessed a massive outbreak since a blast tore through the capital Beirut on August 4. In neighbouring Syria, the government has consistently underreported Covid-19 cases. Although it is much wealthier, neighbouring Israel has had to go into lockdown again after a renewed outbreak, which also struck the isolated Gaza Strip and the West Bank.
Since the onset of the pandemic, the UAE has led the fight against the virus at home and abroad. The UAE has sent more than 1,412 tonnes of Covid-19 aid all over the world, with 1.4 million medical workers supported. No one country is safe from infection if another is left behind.
Even the most developed countries have struggled to contain this global health crisis
Another challenging factor for the Covax Facility is the absence of an internationally available vaccine that is established to be, without a doubt, efficient and safe against Covid-19. This will take time and continued global investment. As vaccine trials continue around the world, medical efforts to come up with effective treatments and ways to curb the virus remain vital.
In addition to the medical challenges of discovering an effective vaccine, and producing enough shots for the entire world population, delivering the jab to the four corners of the world will be “the mission of the century for the global air cargo industry,” according to Alexandre de Juniac, the International Air Transport Association’s chief executive. The equivalent of 8,000 Boeing 747s are needed for this mammoth endeavour. But IATA is already working with global health institutions, airports and drug firms to devise a global airlift plan.
The coronavirus has taken advantage of modern society’s interconnectivity to spread across the globe. Beating it requires concerted international efforts, so that no one is left behind.
How to apply for a drone permit
- Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
- Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
- Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
- Submit their request
What are the regulations?
- Fly it within visual line of sight
- Never over populated areas
- Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
- Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
- Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
- Should have a live feed of the drone flight
- Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
UK's plans to cut net migration
Under the UK government’s proposals, migrants will have to spend 10 years in the UK before being able to apply for citizenship.
Skilled worker visas will require a university degree, and there will be tighter restrictions on recruitment for jobs with skills shortages.
But what are described as "high-contributing" individuals such as doctors and nurses could be fast-tracked through the system.
Language requirements will be increased for all immigration routes to ensure a higher level of English.
Rules will also be laid out for adult dependants, meaning they will have to demonstrate a basic understanding of the language.
The plans also call for stricter tests for colleges and universities offering places to foreign students and a reduction in the time graduates can remain in the UK after their studies from two years to 18 months.
Our legal consultants
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
if you go
The flights
The closest international airport to the TMB trail is Geneva (just over an hour’s drive from the French ski town of Chamonix where most people start and end the walk). Direct flights from the UAE to Geneva are available with Etihad and Emirates from about Dh2,790 including taxes.
The trek
The Tour du Mont Blanc takes about 10 to 14 days to complete if walked in its entirety, but by using the services of a tour operator such as Raw Travel, a shorter “highlights” version allows you to complete the best of the route in a week, from Dh6,750 per person. The trails are blocked by snow from about late October to early May. Most people walk in July and August, but be warned that trails are often uncomfortably busy at this time and it can be very hot. The prime months are June and September.
Labour dispute
The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.
- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law
More from Rashmee Roshan Lall
GOLF’S RAHMBO
- 5 wins in 22 months as pro
- Three wins in past 10 starts
- 45 pro starts worldwide: 5 wins, 17 top 5s
- Ranked 551th in world on debut, now No 4 (was No 2 earlier this year)
- 5th player in last 30 years to win 3 European Tour and 2 PGA Tour titles before age 24 (Woods, Garcia, McIlroy, Spieth)
Juventus v Napoli, Sunday, 10.45pm (UAE)
Match on Bein Sports
MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League semi-final, first leg
Bayern Munich v Real Madrid
When: April 25, 10.45pm kick-off (UAE)
Where: Allianz Arena, Munich
Live: BeIN Sports HD
Second leg: May 1, Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid
MATCH INFO
Inter Milan v Juventus
Saturday, 10.45pm (UAE)
Watch the match on BeIN Sports
Ticket prices
- Golden circle - Dh995
- Floor Standing - Dh495
- Lower Bowl Platinum - Dh95
- Lower Bowl premium - Dh795
- Lower Bowl Plus - Dh695
- Lower Bowl Standard- Dh595
- Upper Bowl Premium - Dh395
- Upper Bowl standard - Dh295
The biog
DOB: 25/12/92
Marital status: Single
Education: Post-graduate diploma in UAE Diplomacy and External Affairs at the Emirates Diplomatic Academy in Abu Dhabi
Hobbies: I love fencing, I used to fence at the MK Fencing Academy but I want to start again. I also love reading and writing
Lifelong goal: My dream is to be a state minister
MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League final:
Who: Real Madrid v Liverpool
Where: NSC Olimpiyskiy Stadium, Kiev, Ukraine
When: Saturday, May 26, 10.45pm (UAE)
TV: Match on BeIN Sports
Who has been sanctioned?
Daniella Weiss and Nachala
Described as 'the grandmother of the settler movement', she has encouraged the expansion of settlements for decades. The 79 year old leads radical settler movement Nachala, whose aim is for Israel to annex Gaza and the occupied West Bank, where it helps settlers built outposts.
Harel Libi & Libi Construction and Infrastructure
Libi has been involved in threatening and perpetuating acts of aggression and violence against Palestinians. His firm has provided logistical and financial support for the establishment of illegal outposts.
Zohar Sabah
Runs a settler outpost named Zohar’s Farm and has previously faced charges of violence against Palestinians. He was indicted by Israel’s State Attorney’s Office in September for allegedly participating in a violent attack against Palestinians and activists in the West Bank village of Muarrajat.
Coco’s Farm and Neria’s Farm
These are illegal outposts in the West Bank, which are at the vanguard of the settler movement. According to the UK, they are associated with people who have been involved in enabling, inciting, promoting or providing support for activities that amount to “serious abuse”.
If you go
The flights
Emirates and Etihad fly direct to Nairobi, with fares starting from Dh1,695. The resort can be reached from Nairobi via a 35-minute flight from Wilson Airport or Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, or by road, which takes at least three hours.
The rooms
Rooms at Fairmont Mount Kenya range from Dh1,870 per night for a deluxe room to Dh11,000 per night for the William Holden Cottage.
The biog
Name: Fareed Lafta
Age: 40
From: Baghdad, Iraq
Mission: Promote world peace
Favourite poet: Al Mutanabbi
Role models: His parents
The specs: 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk
Price, base: Dh399,999
Engine: Supercharged 6.2-litre V8
Gearbox: Eight-speed automatic
Power: 707hp @ 6,000rpm
Torque: 875Nm @ 4,800rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 16.8L / 100km (estimate)
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What is Reform?
Reform is a right-wing, populist party led by Nigel Farage, a former MEP who won a seat in the House of Commons last year at his eighth attempt and a prominent figure in the campaign for the UK to leave the European Union.
It was founded in 2018 and originally called the Brexit Party.
Many of its members previously belonged to UKIP or the mainstream Conservatives.
After Brexit took place, the party focused on the reformation of British democracy.
Former Tory deputy chairman Lee Anderson became its first MP after defecting in March 2024.
The party gained support from Elon Musk, and had hoped the tech billionaire would make a £100m donation. However, Mr Musk changed his mind and called for Mr Farage to step down as leader in a row involving the US tycoon's support for far-right figurehead Tommy Robinson who is in prison for contempt of court.