MoHAP's Hayat Program Marks 1,000 Organ Donations, Elevating UAE's Global Health Status

The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) recently announced that the National Program for Donation and Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues (Hayat) has reached a significant milestone. Since its inception in 2017, the programme has successfully completed 1,000 post-mortem organ donations. This achievement is attributed to the collaborative efforts of federal and local entities, as well as partnerships with health and academic sectors.

Dr. Ali Abdulkarim Al Obaidli, Chairman of the National Committee for Organ Transplantation, highlighted that the "Hayat" programme is a national initiative aimed at promoting organ and tissue donation in line with global practices. He emphasised that organ donation not only renews hope for patients but also enhances community health and individual quality of life. Dr. Al Obaidli noted that recent positive evaluations by international experts affirm MoHAP’s commitment to excellence.

Coinciding with World Organ Donor Day on 13th August, this milestone supports the UAE's commitment to being a role model for regional and global excellence. The achievement reflects the UAE's progress in raising awareness about organ donation, backed by skilled medical professionals, advanced health facilities, cutting-edge technology, and strategic international partnerships.

The Ministry regularly organises campaigns to educate the community about organ donation. These initiatives highlight how individuals can offer others a chance at life and ways to prevent organ failure diseases. The Ministry also participates in exhibitions and community events to showcase the programme's benefits, sharing live testimonies from patients who have regained hope following successful transplants.

Dr. Maria Gomez, Director of the National Centre for Regulating Donation and Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues at MoHAP, stated that "Hayat" is a collective achievement of various government bodies focused on streamlining organ donation and transplantation. She urged adults to register their intent to donate organs, contributing to disease prevention and providing hope to those awaiting transplants.

International Standards and Expertise

The Hayat Program adheres to international standards as part of the UAE’s strategy to enhance its health sector's global competitiveness. Recently, the country hosted visits from approximately 20 international experts who reviewed organ transplantation facilities. These visits were crucial for transferring knowledge, building capacity, and validating the readiness of the UAE’s healthcare system.

This global recognition adds to Hayat's track record of achievements. It has been named the fastest-growing programme worldwide over the past five years based on performance improvements and high donor rates per million people. The UAE has seen a remarkable 417% increase in organ donation growth over this period.

Legislative Support and Future Goals

During its meeting in May 2024, the General Assembly of the World Health Organisation adopted recommendations for member states to build sustainable organ donation programmes. Many recommendations have been incorporated into new federal laws in the UAE. These include health insurance coverage, international cooperation, and embracing innovations in transplantation.

The programme's success also reflects significant progress in promoting an organ donation culture among citizens and residents. It reinforces values of sustainability while contributing to objectives outlined in the Wellbeing Index. The programme has provided patients with renewed hope through efficient use of advanced human and technological capabilities.

Milestones and Community Impact

The "Hayat" programme has seen 26,825 individuals register their willingness to donate organs. Of these registrants, more than 255 have become donors. Importantly, one donor can save up to eight lives by donating vital organs such as heart, liver, kidneys, lungs, pancreas, intestines, or tissues post-mortem.

Living donors can contribute kidneys or parts of their liver to relatives up to the fourth degree or even non-relatives. This showcases community solidarity while leveraging advanced healthcare capabilities within the UAE.

Dr. Maria Gomez added that "Hayat" marked World Organ Donor Day with a ceremony held alongside local health authorities and partners like Emirates Health Services and Fujairah Hospital. Another event is planned with Dubai Health Authority to further educational efforts on organ donation's critical role in saving lives.

This milestone aligns with aspirations under "We the UAE 2031" vision aiming for global prominence in healthcare leadership. The integrated efforts demonstrate significant progress made by UAE’s health system towards achieving these goals.

With inputs from WAM