UAE Provides Free Heart Surgeries to 10 Children from Conflict Zones

As part of the Golden Heart initiative, ten children from various regions, including conflict zones, have undergone life-saving heart surgeries, celebrating Abu Dhabi-based businessman Yusuffali M.A.'s five decades in the UAE. Launched by Dr. Shamsheer Vayalil, son-in-law of Yusuffali and chairman of Burjeel Holdings, the philanthropic effort aims to provide 50 free pediatric heart surgeries to children from conflict zones and underprivileged backgrounds.

Among the beneficiaries is 11-month-old Mouheb, diagnosed with the rare and life-threatening congenital heart defect 'Tetralogy of Fallot.' Dr. Mourad Hakim, Mouheb's doctor, emphasized the critical state of the infant and the urgency of immediate surgery to prevent worsening conditions. Facing financial constraints and living in a conflict zone in Libya, Mouheb's parents, Abdelrazak Mohammed and Mawaddah, undertook the journey to Tunisia for the surgery.

At Clinic Taoufik, under the Taoufik Hospitals Group, Mouheb received surgery and comprehensive care free of charge, alleviating the family's financial burden and providing timely medical intervention. Abdelrazak expressed gratitude for the initiative, highlighting the swift assistance that allowed Mouheb to undergo surgery within a week.

For five-year-old Mariam from Egypt, the initiative brought hope to her parents, Madlin and Medhat. Mariam's noticeable stunted growth led to bullying and challenges, prompting her parents to seek medical advice. Doctors identified a complex atrial septal defect (ASD) requiring major surgery. Conducted at Nile Badrawi Hospital, Mariam's successful procedure, an ASD open-heart patch surgery, was led by Prof Dr Ahmed Afifi. Mariam's parents expressed gratitude for the care their daughter received, emphasizing her improved quality of life.

The Golden Heart initiative has touched the lives of other children, including Elias and Al Teriki from Libya, Chaabani and Oueslati from Tunisia, and Karas, Marvy, Nour, and Mohamed from Egypt. Dr. Shamsheer highlighted the initiative's impact on the health and future of these children, emphasizing its commitment to reaching those in need across countries. The initiative continues to contribute to a brighter and healthier future for children facing medical challenges in underprivileged circumstances.