Al Jalila Foundation Supports 60 Organ Transplants with AED 33M

Al Jalila Foundation, the charity arm of Dubai Health, has made a remarkable impact by supporting 60 patients in need of organ transplants. Through its campaign called “Your Donation Saves Lives,” the Foundation has helped these patients receive life-saving surgeries. This announcement comes as the world marks World Organ Donation Day on August 13, a day dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of organ donation.

Since the campaign began in April 2021, it has assisted in 60 organ transplant surgeries. Among these are 53 kidney transplants and 7 liver transplants. These surgeries include 24 children with kidney failure and 5 children suffering from liver failure. The Foundation continues to support over 65 patients who need urgent transplants but cannot afford the expensive medical care needed.

Stay informed with the latest news. Follow DXB News Network on WhatsApp Channel 

A Campaign That Has Become a Permanent Program

Dr. Amer Al Zarooni, the CEO of Al Jalila Foundation, shared that the “Your Donation Saves Lives” campaign has now become a permanent part of the Foundation’s programs. It is now integrated into A’awen, the Foundation’s wider program that provides financial help to patients who require critical medical treatment throughout the UAE. This step strengthens Dubai Health’s patient-first approach, ensuring that more people can get the medical help they need.

Dr. Al Zarooni expressed deep gratitude to all donors—both individuals and organizations—who supported the campaign’s first and second editions. He noted that the first edition alone helped cover nearly 30% of all organ transplants performed in Dubai. This shows how powerful human kindness can be when people come together to save lives.

He also thanked living donors and families of deceased donors, calling them heroes. Their compassion has given many people a second chance at life.

Ensuring Safe and Successful Organ Transplants

Dr. Ashraf Al Hinnawi, a Consultant Transplant Surgeon with Dubai Health, explained the careful process the medical team follows to make sure transplants succeed. Before the surgery, both the donor and the recipient go through thorough medical tests and evaluations. This helps ensure that the organs match well and that the transplant will have the best chance of success over the long term.

Dr. Al Hinnawi said the medical team looks at kidney function and immune compatibility between donors and recipients. They also carry out detailed lab tests and imaging studies to check the health of both parties. After the transplant, patients are regularly checked to make sure they follow their treatment plan and their new organ is working well.

For living donors, the process is very detailed. They undergo tests to check kidney health, screen for infections or cancer, and receive psychological and social assessments. A medical committee carefully reviews each case to make sure it is safe for both donor and recipient.

A Lifeline for Patients in Need

Al Jalila Foundation continues to invite donations through its A’awen program. These donations help fund medical treatments that save lives and improve the quality of life for many patients. The Foundation works closely with different partners to carry out these surgeries and ensure patients get the care they need.

The first edition of the campaign was launched in April 2021. It was a joint effort with Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department, and Emarat Al Youm newspaper. The second edition took place from September to December 2024. It was carried out in partnership with the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department, Al Jalila Foundation, and Emarat Al Youm newspaper.

Organ transplants were performed at Dubai Hospital and Al Jalila Children’s Hospital, both part of Dubai Health. Other partners included Mediclinic City Hospital and King’s College Hospital London, which has a branch in Dubai.

Real Stories of Hope and Healing

The campaign has helped many patients, including children and adults, regain their health and live full lives again. Two of these inspiring stories come from Yousef and Roula.

Yousef’s New Beginning

Yousef Jashim is one of the children whose life changed thanks to the Foundation. Yousef suffered from kidney failure and had to go through frequent dialysis sessions. Dialysis is a treatment that helps do the work of the kidneys but is tiring and requires strict dietary rules. Yousef was often tired and in pain, which affected his daily life.

When Yousef turned fourteen, doctors told his family that he needed a kidney transplant. This surgery was necessary to improve his health and quality of life. Thanks to the support from Al Jalila Foundation, his family was able to cover the cost of this important surgery.

After the transplant, Yousef’s health improved greatly. He regained his energy and no longer needed dialysis. His mother expressed her deep gratitude to the Foundation, the doctors, and everyone who helped. She said the support saved her son’s life and gave their family hope for the future.

Roula’s Healing Journey

Roula Tabba’a also received life-saving help through the campaign. She was diagnosed with kidney failure in 2016 and had to undergo dialysis three times a week. The treatment was exhausting and affected her both physically and emotionally.

Roula’s journey included several surgeries, medical tests, and long waits. The Foundation helped pay for her dialysis sessions and medical care. Eventually, Roula was approved for a kidney transplant. The surgery was successful, and her life changed dramatically. She no longer needed dialysis and was able to live more freely, travel, and take care of herself independently.

Roula expressed her heartfelt thanks to Al Jalila Foundation, saying their support not only saved her life but also restored hope and happiness for her whole family.

Looking Ahead: Continuing the Mission to Save Lives

The success of the “Your Donation Saves Lives” campaign highlights the importance of organ donation as a humanitarian cause. The campaign’s transformation into a permanent program means that many more patients will receive help in the future.

Al Jalila Foundation urges people to consider donating organs and supporting this life-saving cause. Every donation makes a difference and can give someone a second chance at life.

The Foundation’s work, in collaboration with Dubai Health and other partners, sets a strong example of how community effort, medical expertise, and generosity can come together to save lives and improve the health of people across the UAE.

#Best News Network In Dubai #Dubai breaking news today #Dubai latest updates #Dubai #health #dubai news #dubai newspaper #dubai news channel #latest news dubai