Experts Discuss Progress, Distribution of COVID-19 Vaccine During KAIMRC Forum

King Abdullah International Medical Research Center (KAIMRC)
King Abdullah International Medical Research Center (KAIMRC)
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Experts Discuss Progress, Distribution of COVID-19 Vaccine During KAIMRC Forum

King Abdullah International Medical Research Center (KAIMRC)
King Abdullah International Medical Research Center (KAIMRC)

International scientists and medical experts discussed the global challenges and prospects related to the development of vaccines for the coronavirus disease during the 11th KAIMRC Annual Forum for Medical Research.

The two-day forum, organized by King Abdullah International Medical Research Center (KAIMRC), launched virtually in Riyadh on November 04, under the title “COVID-19 Vaccine: Global Challenges and Prospects.”

The forum comes as part of programs and international conferences held under Saudi Arabia’s presidency of the G20.

About 32 international experts from global academic institutions including the Universities of Oxford, Harvard, and Stanford participated in the 10 scientific sessions of the forum done over videoconference.

Specialists discussed the latest developments in vaccine production and reviewed the currently produced vaccines, clinical studies, and the future availability of the vaccine.

CEO of National Guard-Health Affairs Bandar al-Knawy affirmed that the forum contributes to enabling scientists, researchers, doctors, and companies to discuss the performance and the timetable for the production and global distribution of the vaccine.

Meanwhile, the Saudi Ministry of Health announced there are 7,871 active cases in the country, most of which are in good condition.

In addition, 441 more patients recovered from the disease on Wednesday, bringing the total number of recoveries in the country to 335,594.

Meanwhile, the total number of people that have now contracted COVID-19 in Saudi Arabia reached 348,936, with 426 new cases confirmed on Wednesday, while the Health Ministry reported 15 new COVID-19-related deaths, bringing the death toll to 5,471.

The ministry said it had conducted 63,643 new PCR tests in the past 24 hours.



Saudi Arabia Affirms Unwavering Support for Global Humanitarian Efforts

The Saudi capital Riyadh. AFP file photo
The Saudi capital Riyadh. AFP file photo
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Saudi Arabia Affirms Unwavering Support for Global Humanitarian Efforts

The Saudi capital Riyadh. AFP file photo
The Saudi capital Riyadh. AFP file photo

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia affirmed its unwavering commitment to support global humanitarian issues and its contributions to alleviating the suffering of those affected by wars and disasters.

In a statement delivered at the UN Economic and Social Council, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's permanent representative to the United Nations and international organizations in Geneva, Ambassador Abdulmohsen bin Khothaila, indicated that Saudi Arabia, despite global economic challenges, continues its generous approach as one of the largest donor countries in the humanitarian and development fields.

The ambassador explained that humanitarian crises have become exacerbated by the increase in armed conflicts and the decline in adherence to international humanitarian law, emphasizing that addressing the root causes of crises is crucial to alleviating human suffering.

He emphasized that Saudi Arabia's participation in the global initiative launched by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to reaffirm commitment to international humanitarian law, along with its hosting of multiple peace talks between conflicting parties, reflects its strong belief in the importance of dialogue as a means to achieve lasting peace.

Regarding the Palestinian issue, bin Khothaila explained that Saudi Arabia strongly condemned the serious violations and war crimes committed by the Israeli occupation forces against the brotherly Palestinian people. He emphasized that preventing humanitarian aid from entering the Gaza Strip and using it as a tool of war constitutes a flagrant violation of international law. He reiterated Saudi Arabia's call for an immediate and sustainable ceasefire.

The ambassador noted that a peace conference, co-chaired with the French Republic, had been scheduled for June 2025 as part of Saudi Arabia’s efforts within the Global Coalition to advance the two-state solution. However, recent regional developments have led to its postponement.

He emphasized the importance of integrating relief and development in addressing crises, pointing to Saudi Arabia's integrated model through the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) and the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD).