The UAE’s organ donation program, particularly the Hayat initiative, is making significant strides in transforming lives through medical advancements. According to Khaleej Times, Nada Al Ammari, a recipient of a pancreas and kidney transplant, shared her powerful story during the Abu Dhabi Global Health Week. She highlighted that the medical innovations discussed at the event are not solely about technology but fundamentally about improving the lives of individuals like herself.

Al Ammari’s personal journey serves as a poignant reminder of the human impact behind organ transplants. She emphasized the importance of the donors, particularly her brother, who selflessly provided his kidney. Al Ammari remarked, “I’m not a policy maker, I’m not a doctor, but my life has changed because of the transplant that happened. What’s more important to me than the organ transplant is that knowing that it came from people who were selfless.”

At the event, Dr. Rashed Al Suwaidi, Director-General of the Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre, discussed the necessity of sharing personal stories to change public perceptions and foster community support for organ donation. He emphasized that a culturally sensitive approach is essential for building awareness and that education should be community-centered. “Misconceptions still exist, and trusted leaders must help clarify things,” Dr. Al Suwaidi noted, adding that the UAE has achieved notable success in kidney and liver transplants.

Furthermore, experts highlighted the importance of training healthcare professionals to handle delicate conversations regarding organ donation. Dr. Ali Abdul Kareem Al Obaidli, Chairman of the UAE National Transplant Committee, stated, “When we gain the trust of the public that with full transparency, that everybody is part of this programme…because 55 nationalities (so far) either donated or benefited.” He underscored that inclusion is a core principle of the organ donation initiative.

The UAE has seen remarkable results, with 110 families consenting to organ donations last year, allowing 356 individuals to receive life-saving transplants. The country boasts eight transplant centers that provide 12 different types of organ transplants. Since the introduction of the organ transplant law in 2016, efforts have been made to encourage individuals to register as organ donors.

Dr. Georges-Pascal Haber, CEO of Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, remarked on the high quality and outcomes of transplants performed in Abu Dhabi, stating, “The quality and the outcomes of transplant is equivalent, if not better, than top medical centres in Europe and in the US.” He attributed this success to continuous innovation and the attraction of top medical talent to the UAE.