#ArabHealth: UAE’s Hayat Program has helped patients from 48 different nationalities

Dubai: The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP), the Department of Health-Abu Dhabi (DoH) and the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) showcased the latest developments on the National Programme for Donation and Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues, “Hayat,” at the Arab Health 2023 at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

The UAE health authorities will take part in the 48th edition of the exhibition under a unified national platform called “Emirates Health,” representing the national spirit as well as the shared goals and collaboration among health authorities in the country.

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The programme was launched in 2016 in accordance with a federal decree by law with the goal of improving the lives of patients with organ failure, reducing the suffering of their families, and promoting organ donation. The programme focuses on chronic kidney failure, heart disease, pulmonary failure, and Liver failure.

Regional & International role model

The National Programme was designed to support the country’s goal of becoming a regional and global leader in organ and tissue transplantation, especially as the UAE is well equipped with the necessary resources, including skilled medical personnel, state-of-the-art facilities, advanced technological infrastructure, and strong international partnerships, which are crucial for the programme’s success.

Organ transplantation not only improves patients’ quality of life but also saves lives while reducing the load on hospitals and allowing for investment in preventive programmes. The UAE’s organ transplant programme has so far resulted in 460 transplants, facilitating many multiorgan retrieval and transplant. This reflects the maximum efficiency of the system in which many more patients can receive a life-saving transplant.  

Sustainable Solution

H.E. Ahmed Ali Al Dashti, Assistant Undersecretary for the Support Services Sector, emphasized the UAE health authorities are committed to raising public awareness of organ donation as a means of providing sustainable solutions for patients with various health conditions, particularly chronic kidney disease, heart disease, pulmonary failure, and liver failure. Al Dashti went on to say that organ transplantation can help such patients recover completely.

He stated that the UAE organ donation and transplantation programme increase by 41 % in 2022 compare to 2021, this outstanding achievement is thanks to the organ donation system structure established across the UAE and the health authority’s commitment in raising awareness about the importance of organ donation as a selfless and heroic act.

“Hayat” programme

Dashti commended the UAE’s relentless efforts made to regulate the transfer, transplantation, preservation, and development of human organs and tissues.

He also praised the decision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to establish the National Centre to Regulate Human Organs and Tissues Transplantation, which works in conjunction with the “Hayat” programme to promote medical and social care for organ donation and transplantation in accordance with international quality standards and medical ethics.

Saving lives

For his part, Dr. Ali Al Obaidli, Head of the UAE National Transplant Committee, highlighted the humanitarian benefits of the transplant programme, which was backed by wise leadership & promoted by coordinated health efforts.

Al Obaidli revealed that the participation rate in the programme rose 41% in 2022 with 130 donors saving over 500 lives, compared to 2021. Over 10,000 people of diverse backgrounds registered to donate organs after death, valuing it as a noble act.

Community health and safety

Meanwhile, Dr. Rashid Al Suwaidi, Executive Director of the Healthcare Workforce Planning Sector at DoH, said that the department prioritizes organ donation and transplantation for community health and safety, adding that the department has launched a community campaign in cooperation with partners including MoHAP and DHA to raise awareness of organ donation and encourage registration for the programme, as it saves lives and gives hope.

For his part, Dr. Ramadan Al Blooshi, Director of the Public Health Protection Department at Dubai Health Authority (DHA), said that “Hayat” is a promising and ambitious programme showcasing the UAE’s remarkable progress in the healthcare system, which is experiencing tremendous and successive developments in different areas thanks to making the best use of medical expertise, smart technologies and advanced recovery methods.

Al Blooshi emphasized that such capabilities guarantee the UAE’s success in organ and tissue transplantation and will further promote the country’s reputation in this sensitive medical field, lauding the concerted efforts and strong collaboration between the Ministry of Health, the Department of Health, the Dubai Health Authority, and other relevant authorities. According to experts, one organ donor can save the lives of eight individuals in urgent need of organs. We invite the public and organizations in UAE to support saving lives by organ donation. Visit MOHAP HAYAT booth during Arab health 2023, anyone can register as an organ donor and save many lives. 

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