Dubai Health Takes Initiative In Advancing Organ Donation Across The UAE

Dubai Health has been acknowledged for its leadership in promoting organ donation in the UAE. This recognition comes from its collaboration with the National Centre for Regulating Donation and Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues, alongside its national programme, "Hayat." These efforts have resulted in over 200 organ transplants, supported by more than 65 families who chose to donate organs to save lives.

Rashid Hospital, part of Dubai Health, is a key centre for organ donation in the UAE. Known for its trauma and emergency care services, it has facilitated over 200 transplants. To support these decisions, Dubai Health opened a Hayat lounge at Rashid Hospital. This space offers families a private setting to discuss organ donation with healthcare professionals.

Since 2016, Dubai Health surgeons have performed more than 160 kidney transplants. Of these surgeries, 54 were conducted on children. The organisation also provides specialised care for patients with organ failure, particularly through kidney transplant surgery and dialysis services at various facilities including Dubai Hospital and Al Jalila Children's Hospital.

The success of these initiatives is due to ongoing collaboration with the Dubai Health Authority and the National Centre for Regulating Donation and Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues at the Ministry of Health and Prevention. This partnership ensures that organ donation referrals are coordinated efficiently, maintaining high standards of patient care aligned with international best practices.

Dr. Muna Tahlak, Chief Medical Officer of Dubai Health, expressed satisfaction with the collaborative efforts in organ donation. "We are pleased to witness the collaborative efforts of our multidisciplinary teams in organ donation. With the community's continued support and the dedication of healthcare professionals, we are proud to be at the forefront of organ donation, offering hope and a second chance to many patients in need."

Educational Initiatives and Campaigns

Community awareness is central to Dubai Health's mission to support the nation's organ donation programme, Hayat. Last year, Dubai Health participated in global observances related to kidney transplantation and organ donation. These activities included educational sessions on organ donation and transplantation as well as hosting the First Middle East Ata'a Al Hayat Course on Organ Donation.

The Al Jalila Foundation launched its second edition of a kidney transplantation fundraising campaign called "Your Donation Saves Lives." In 2024, this campaign raised over AED46 million to aid more than 65 kidney failure patients with surgeries, dialysis, and post-transplant care.

Future Prospects

The first edition of this campaign began in 2021 and funded about 30 percent of all kidney transplants in Dubai. The Al Jalila Foundation collaborates with organisations like the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department to raise awareness within communities. Donations can be made through Al Jalila Foundation's A'awen program.

Dr. Zeyad Al Rais highlighted Dubai Health's role in national organ donation efforts: "By collaborating with national entities, we are able to streamline organ donation processes, ensuring that each act of generosity honours the legacy of those who give and transform the lives of patients."

Dr. Maria Gomez noted that local authorities' support is crucial for developing healthcare services: "The concerted efforts of local authorities in supporting human organs' donation is fundamental for developing healthcare services." Such initiatives form one of the main pillars for advancing the Hayat programme.

Dubai Health remains committed to providing top-quality care while fostering hope among patients needing life-saving interventions.

With inputs from WAM