Hayat Organ Donation Programme Achievements Highlighted By MoHAP At Arab Health 2025 Event

The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) in the UAE, alongside other health authorities, highlighted the advancements of the National Programme for Organ and Tissue Donation and Transplantation, known as "Hayat," at Arab Health 2025. This event, held at the Dubai World Trade Centre from January 27th to 30th, is a major healthcare congress in the Middle East.

In 2024, the UAE achieved notable progress in organ donation with 352 organs transplanted, marking a 22% increase from 2023. Since its inception in 2017, the programme has facilitated the transplantation of 956 organs. The UAE now leads GCC countries in organ transplantation rates. Over 400 specialists have been trained to diagnose brain death accurately, ensuring donor eligibility meets high medical standards.

The "Hayat" programme aims to foster a culture of organ donation during life and after death. It coordinates national efforts to support patients with organ failure, enhancing their quality of life while reducing family burdens. This initiative aligns with the UAE's goal of establishing a world-class healthcare system under the "We the UAE 2031" vision.

Dr. Amin Hussain Al Amiri, Assistant Undersecretary for Health Regulation Sector, emphasised that showcasing Hayat's achievements at Arab Health 2025 helps raise awareness about organ donation. He noted that this exhibition attracts numerous health sector professionals and stakeholders, providing an opportunity to share impactful successes.

Dr. Ali Abdulkarim Al Obaidli, Chairman of the National Committee for Organ Transplantation, stated that Hayat's presence at specialised events has boosted registrants significantly. Supported by advanced healthcare infrastructure in the UAE, Hayat is recognised as one of the fastest-growing programmes globally, with a growth rate of 41.7% over five years.

Al Obaidli highlighted that awareness campaigns by MoHAP and partners have increased registrants to 31,145 individuals. This achievement underscores MoHAP’s commitment to raising awareness about Hayat's vital role in saving lives and supporting national visions for health sustainability and community well-being.

Impactful Transplants and Humanitarian Spirit

In 2024 alone, 338 patients received life-saving transplants from 110 donors in the UAE. These included transplants of kidneys (187), livers (100), lungs (39), hearts (21), pancreases (3), and two liver segments. Dr. Al Amiri stressed that these efforts reflect the UAE's humanitarian spirit and solidarity.

"What sets our experience apart is integrating efforts from health institutions and strategic partners," said Dr. Al Amiri. He added that developing an advanced digital system ensures transparency and efficiency while promoting a supportive culture for organ donation.

The "Hayat" programme stands as an Emirati success story by addressing health challenges through innovative solutions while reinforcing community values of generosity. The growing number of registrants highlights increased community engagement with inspiring stories of patients finding renewed hope.

With inputs from WAM