Patient treated with novel stem cell tells his experience of full recovery

The following article was provided by the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in Seoul for publication by The Korea Post media.—Ed.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, has ordered that all costs be covered for any critical coronavirus cases treated using a breakthrough stem cell treatment. In the words of the Crown Prince, "the UAE sent aid to nearly 10 countries every week. It is our duty towards our brothers, allies, and friends as we see some countries in a difficult situation.

The first UAE patient to recover from COVID-19 after stem cell therapy has told of his journey to full health. The patient, who was the first of 73 recipients of the novel stem cell treatment, made a full recovery after 40 days in intensive care.

The UAE has opened a massive new testing center to screen up to 10 thousand workers per day. Authorities are also working to protect vulnerable communities by ensuring that worker accommodations meet health and safety requirements.

E-learning in the UAE will continue into the next academic year if the COVID-19 crisis continues. Three scenarios devised by the Ministry of Education incorporate a blend of traditional and distance learning to ensure student safety.

In a letter to the United Nations, the UAE underlined its commitment to mitigating the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic while protecting the rights of all citizens, residents, and visitors, particularly those most vulnerable to the social, economic, humanitarian, and human rights impact of the virus.

Proto21, a 3D printing firm in Jebel Ali, has transformed its labs into a busy manufacturing hub for essential personal protective equipment in recent weeks. The team has already delivered more than 1,000 reusable 3D-printed face shields for Dubai Police officers in the line of duty.

Two strains of the coronavirus have been identified in the UAE based on findings from 49 patients. This discovery comes in line with the UAE’s efforts to contribute to the global scientific community’s understanding of COVID-19 by adding to an international research database.

Luxury staycations are on the rise in the UAE, with demand so high that Dubai’s staycation market could be more profitable than last year’s.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai said: “The goal is to draw up a plan for the UAE after the COVID-19 virus crisis, a plan that will ensure that we are the fastest country in recovery."

His Highness Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, “The UAE is conscious that the COVID-19 pandemic represents more than a public health emergency and is well aware of the significant and unprecedented challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, which can only be overcome through shared determination and global cooperation.”

Abu Dhabi has launched a mobile coronavirus screening center as part of efforts to expand testing across the country and ensure the wellbeing of the community.

An international air bridge operation has been launched by the UAE and World Food Program using three Emirati aircraft to provide essential health and humanitarian supplies across Europe, Africa, and Asia in the fight against COVID-19.

The UAE sent medical aid this week to India, Kenya, Ethiopia, Guinea, Uzbekistan, Zimbabwe, and Botswana. Since the start of the COVID-19 crisis, the UAE has provided more than 455 tonnes of aid to over 41 countries, assisting 455,000 medical professionals around the world.

The novel COVID-19 stem cell treatment developed in Abu Dhabi could be ready for widespread use in three months’ time in a best-case scenario, according to researchers. The treatment is currently undergoing additional trials to be completed in a number of weeks.

The UAE has ranked third in a global survey of citizen satisfaction with their government’s response to the COVID-19 outbreak based on national political leadership, corporate leadership, community, and media.

The UAE is facilitating the world’s largest-ever repatriation mission to help Indian citizens return home. To date, the UAE is the only country providing free pre-departure COVID-19 testing to Indian returnees.

The World Expos governing body’s Member States have voted to confirm a one-year postponement to Expo 2020 due to COVID-19. The global mega-event will now run from 1 October 2021 to 31 March 2022.

All restaurants in Abu Dhabi will be permitted to reopen and operate at reduced capacity with strict new guidelines to ensure customer safety.

Young children and those over 60 will not be allowed to enter malls, supermarkets, or shops in the UAE in efforts to protect at-risk groups.

In the words of His Excellency Dr. Anwar Gargash, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, "The region, like all regions in the world, is going to be financially and politically weaker. We would be wise to think about our development models, about de-escalation, and to try some problem-solving.”

According to Her Excellency Reem Al Hashimy Minister of State for International Cooperation, “The UAE is already an urgent, dedicated, and responsible actor against COVID-19 and will continue to work tirelessly at the forefront of the global response to this malicious and relentless threat. We have airlifted more than 472 tons of medical aid, personal protective equipment, and supplies to 43 countries around the world.”

Michelle Bachelet, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, “In terms of women’s rights to health, states like Bahrain and the UAE are paying specific attention to the health of women and girls at risk in the preventive response to COVID-19.”

David Beasley, UN World Food Program Executive Director, “The UAE continues to be a leading first responder to global crises, especially now with COVID-19. This new Dubai air bridge will help speed up the international community's response and surely help us to save lives. Thanks to the UAE for their critical partnership!

Total cases in the country reached 19,661 as of May 12, 2020. A total of 6,012 have recovered and 203 have died. Total cases tested toped 1,500,000.