Abu Dhabi's Hayat Programme Surpasses 1,000 Organ Transplants Since Launch In 2017

Abu Dhabi has solidified its status as a key player in the medical field, both regionally and globally, by achieving a remarkable milestone in organ transplantation. Since the inception of "Hayat," the National Programme for Donation and Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissue, in 2017, the Emirate has conducted 1,090 organ transplants up to 2024. This achievement was celebrated on World Organ Donation Day.

The healthcare system in Abu Dhabi is advancing through complex surgeries like multi-organ and robotic-assisted transplants. These procedures enhance surgical accuracy and recovery outcomes. Four major transplant centres drive these advancements: Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Khalifa Medical City (SKMC), Burjeel Medical City (BMC), and Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City (SSMC).

Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi has been instrumental in progressing the UAE's transplant sector. Established in 2017 as the first multi-organ transplant centre in the nation, it performed 241 multi-organ transplants in 2024 alone. Notably, it achieved the UAE’s first combined heart and lung transplant.

Burjeel Medical City is also at the forefront of multi-organ transplantation. It accomplished several firsts in the UAE, including the first paediatric living donor liver transplant, first ABO-incompatible kidney transplant, and youngest paediatric liver transplant at just five months old.

In 2024, a record number of 290 transplants were completed. This included seven heart transplants, 142 kidney transplants, 117 liver transplants, 22 lung transplants, and two pancreas transplants. These figures highlight Abu Dhabi's growing expertise in organ transplantation.

SEHA Sheikh Khalifa Medical City is part of PureHealth, the largest healthcare platform in the Middle East. In 2024 alone, it successfully carried out over 114 kidney transplants and continues to expand its liver transplant programme for adults and children.

Research and Education Excellence

Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City stands out for its contributions to research and education. It delivered ten presentations at international conferences and won the Best Abstract Award at ISODP 2023 in Las Vegas. The facility also performed the UAE's first COVID-positive organ donation.

"Reaching this milestone is a testament to Abu Dhabi’s unwavering commitment to delivering best-in-class care," said Dr. Noura Khamis Al Ghaithi, Undersecretary of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi. She urged community members to join "Hayat," noting that one person can save multiple lives.

The Emirate's dedication to innovation is evident through its infrastructure and talent pool. This commitment has positioned Abu Dhabi as a hub for organ transplantation within the region and beyond.

With inputs from WAM