Participants in the third phase of clinical trials for COVID-19 vaccine: Volunteering and contributing are a source of pride to us
The participants in the third phase of clinical trials for COVID-19 vaccine have confirmed that their participation came from a national and humanitarian standpoint for the success of the various efforts to combat the virus, leaving an additional imprint for the Kingdom of Bahrain in its various efforts for the sake of humanity.
Contributing for humanity is an integral part of the Bahraini identity
Contributing for the support of humanity is an integral part of the Bahraini identity, the participants stressed as they commended the efforts made by the National Task Force for Combating the Coronavirus, the impeccable coordination and the ease and convenience that have characterised the entire experience. They have also appreciated the follow up conducted by the medical team to the volunteers during and after taking the vaccine.
The People of Bahrain
Shaikha Jawaher Al Khalifa, Director of Creativity Centre at Bahrain Bayan School and a volunteer in the clinical trials said: since the global pandemic began, Bahrain has proved its ability to protect its people and citizens, following the close guidance from the country’s wise leadership who put the health of citizens and residents equally at the forefront of its priorities. She added: When the call was announced for volunteers to register, I swiftly registered due to my unshakable confidence in the measures followed by the National Task Force for Combating the Coronavirus and to contribute to my dear country.”
She explained that the other reason that drove her to volunteer is worrying about the health of those around her, especially the elderly.
“Social cohesion played a significant role in encouraging me to undertake this historic endeavour. More than 6,000 volunteers have responded to the call to volunteer and have undergone the clinical trials experience. Being one of those volunteers fills me with pride,” she said.
Shaikha Jawaher commended the National Task Force for Combating the Coronavirus that has been conducting itself with the utmost levels of professionalism. The medical efforts are huge, she added, as they test and assess the condition of every volunteer after undertaking several tests to determine his/her suitability to take the vaccine. Then the volunteers are monitored following the clinical trial for 30 minutes to ensure their safety, before being provided with the necessary medical guidance for post-vaccine phase.
No side effects
Engineer, Kamel Abdulsamad Al Shehabi, Head of Central Storage Units Directorate at the Electricity and Water Authority, confirmed the performance of the National Task Force for Combating the Coronavirus, that are working with high professionalism, especially given the precautionary measures taken recently.
Speaking of his experience as a volunteer, Al Shehabi said: “My personal experience in volunteering for third phase of clinical trial for COVID-19 vaccine in the Kingdom of Bahrain stems from my sense of national duty and my sense of duty towards humanity. It was also driven by a total conviction and confidence in the National Task Force for Combating the Coronavirus who proved its ability to combat this pandemic with strong-will and perseverance in spite of the pressures.”
He added he was in contact with a group of friends in China who took the vaccine and spoke about their experience and the associated symptoms.
“They confirmed that they did not experience any symptoms post taking the vaccine. In addition, I had the support of my sister who has also volunteered for the vaccine and did not experience any symptoms.”
Al Shehabi highlighted the engagement of the medical team with the volunteers during the process.
“The warm welcome when reaching Bahrain International Exhibition & Convention Centre and the designated area for taking the vaccine is indescribable. It’s a beautiful emotion for volunteers to feel because of the efforts and kindness of the medical team. The various steps went very smoothly whilst the medical team explained in detail the clinical trial process, the medical history, any chronic illnesses, any possible minor side effects, then took the necessary tests before and after taking the vaccine. The volunteer would remain monitored for 30 minutes to ensure no side effects or symptoms appear.”
Al Shehabi commended the professionalism and capabilities of the Bahraini medical team and the nursing staff in managing these humanitarian initiatives. He highlighted that the fact that the medical team checks on the volunteers during and after taking the vaccine to ensure no symptoms appear has an immense impact on the volunteers.
A cultural celebration
Mohammed Zarkani, Chief of the International Organisation for Migration Mission to Bahrain, shared that the volunteering culture is the prevailing culture in modern societies, and the experience of the Kingdom of Bahrain, in terms of the intense demand for volunteering and participation, is evidence of the distinction of community members and their responsible sense.
“I’m honoured to participate with my brothers and sisters in the Kingdom of Bahrain in the clinical trials for Coronavirus vaccine. This is a duty towards humanity and an effective step to combat the virus if the vaccine is approved. Finally, I commend the professionalism of the medical team who rendered this endeavour a model to follow,” he said.
At the forefront
Kamal Jamal, Head of Legal Affairs at the Ministry of Health, spoke about his personal experience volunteering in the clinical trials. He said: I’m very proud to be amongst the 6000 volunteers for the coronavirus vaccine clinical trials in the Kingdom of Bahrain. We have learned in Bahrain to be at the lead and at the forefront in humanitarian work. By joining my brothers and sisters in volunteering, I managed to give a small contribution towards my country, which I would never be able to give it justice.
Kamal commended the efforts by the government and the National Task Force for Combating the Coronavirus for the impeccable care they are providing the citizens and the residents in the Kingdom of Bahrain. He reiterated that the endless support provided by the government to the citizens and residents in recent times will be remembered by future generations.
A globally credible and safe vaccine
Dr. Hussain Isa added that the volunteers at the clinical trials to the inactive vaccine for coronavirus are presenting significant service, not only to Bahrain, but to humanity. He reiterated Bahrain’s pride in those volunteers.
With regards to his own experience, Dr. Hussain commented: The main reason behind participating in the clinical trial is the national spirit and my sense of duty towards my country and humanity. Contributing to humanity is an integral aspect of the Bahraini identity and I feel immensely proud for having volunteered as part of this historic initiative.
He added: The entire atmosphere during the experience was pleasant and very convenient. The coordination was impeccable as we moved across the various stations smoothly. During the process, they explain all the details to the volunteer regarding the experience. Once the vaccine has been taken, the medical team reaches out to the volunteer for checkups and to monitor his/her medical situation. This is an indication that volunteers are in safe hands and that the clinical trials medical team have excellent management skills.
A convenient and smooth experience
Mariam Nasser Ateeq, who works as an administrator in one of the health centres, shared that the Kingdom of Bahrain has positioned the health of its people and residents at the forefront of its priorities and dedicated the necessary resources to achieve this, whilst providing the clinical trials for the coronavirus vaccine to all residents in the Kingdom.
Mariam elaborated further regarding her volunteering experience. She added: my sense of national duty has driven me to volunteer for the success of this endeavour and it has been a convenient and smooth process due to all the workers and volunteers at Bahrain International Exhibition & Convention Centre. I encourage all citizens to participate and I wish peace and safety to all.