Dubai Health takes the lead in organ donation efforts across the UAE

Photo: Dubai Government Media Office

Dubai Health has been recognized as a leader in organ donation in the UAE. It works closely with the National Centre for Regulating Donation and Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues and runs the national program "Hayat." Thanks to these efforts, more than 200 organ transplants have been done with the help of over 65 families who decided to donate organs to save lives.

Working Together for a Greater Cause

This success is possible because of the teamwork between Dubai Health, the Dubai Health Authority, and the Ministry of Health and Prevention. Their combined efforts make sure organ donation is handled smoothly, following top global healthcare standards. The goal is to provide the best care for patients while also supporting the families of organ donors.

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

Dubai Health’s Role in the Hayat Program

Dubai Health plays a key role in making the Hayat program successful. Its hospitals, along with Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences (MBRU) and Al Jalila Foundation, help in spreading awareness and supporting life-saving efforts. These efforts bring hope to patients suffering from organ failure, giving them a chance to live healthier lives.

Leading in Organ Donation and Transplants

Dubai Health's Rashid Hospital is the top organ donation center in the UAE. It specializes in trauma and emergency care and has facilitated over 200 organ transplants. This achievement is thanks to the kindness of 65 families who donated organs, helping people in the UAE and beyond. To support these families, Dubai Health has opened a special Hayat lounge in Rashid Hospital, where they can discuss organ donation with doctors in a private and comforting space.

Dubai Health also provides excellent care for patients with organ failure. Dubai Hospital, Al Jalila Children's Hospital, and Al Towar and Al Barsha Dialysis Centers focus on kidney transplants and dialysis services. Since 2016, over 160 kidney transplants have been performed, including 54 for children.

Experts Share Their Thoughts

Dr. Muna Tahlak, Chief Medical Officer of Dubai Health, expressed her happiness over the teamwork behind organ donation efforts. She said, "With the community’s support and our dedicated healthcare professionals, we are proud to lead organ donation efforts, bringing hope and a second chance to patients."

Dr. Zeyad Al Rais, Chair of Critical Care at Dubai Health, highlighted the importance of collaboration. He said, "Through our strong commitment, we have created an approach that saves lives and gives hope. Working with national organizations, we make the donation process smooth while honoring the generosity of donors."

Dr. Maria Gomez, Director of the National Centre for Organ Transplantation at the Ministry of Health and Prevention, praised the joint efforts of government and private hospitals in advancing organ transplantation. She mentioned that hospitals like Dubai Health, along with others such as the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, Mubadala, and Sharjah Health Authority, are essential to the success of the Hayat program.

Helping Kidney Failure Patients

Dubai Health is also dedicated to helping kidney failure patients. Al Jalila Foundation launched the second edition of its kidney transplant fundraising campaign, "Your Donation Saves Lives." In 2024, this campaign raised over AED 46 million to help more than 65 kidney failure patients with surgeries, dialysis, and post-transplant care. The first edition of the campaign, started in 2021, helped fund nearly 30% of all kidney transplants in Dubai. Al Jalila Foundation works with the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department (IACAD) and Emarat Al Youm to encourage the community to support this cause. Donations can be made through Al Jalila Foundation's A’awen program to help patients in need.

Raising Awareness About Organ Donation

Dubai Health also focuses on educating people about organ donation. It has been part of many global events related to kidney transplantation and organ donation. These include educational sessions and the First Middle East Ata’a Al Hayat Course on Organ Donation, hosted by MBRU and the Ministry of Health and Prevention.

Education is also being spread to children. First-year medical students at MBRU created a storybook called Ahmed’s Big Adventure to teach kids about organ donation. Dubai Health held reading sessions at its Nad Al Hamar Health Center, helping children understand how organ donation saves lives. The storybook is available for purchase through Al Jalila Foundation’s online charity shop, and all proceeds go toward helping patients with organ failure. You can visit shop.aljalilafoundation.ae to support the cause.

A Future Full of Hope

With every milestone and the continuous support of the community, Dubai Health remains committed to bringing hope to patients in need of organ transplants. Their dedication to saving lives is a testament to the power of kindness, teamwork, and innovation in healthcare.