UAE’s Hayat Program Reaches 1,000 Organ Donations Milestone
The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) in the UAE has announced that the National Programme for Donation and Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues, known as ‘Hayat,’ has successfully completed 1,000 post-mortem organ donations since its start in 2017. This achievement was made possible through the combined efforts of federal and local entities, health and academic sectors, and international partnerships.
World Organ Donor Day Celebration
This milestone coincides with World Organ Donor Day on August 13, highlighting the UAE’s commitment to being a global leader in organ transplantation. The Hayat Program follows international standards and aims to enhance the UAE’s health sector’s competitiveness globally.
Global Recognition and Growth
The UAE has seen a 417% increase in organ donation and transplantation over the last five years. The Hayat Program has been recognized as the fastest-growing program worldwide, according to the Congress of the International Society for Organ Donation and Procurement (ISODP).
Community and Government Efforts
The program’s success is attributed to continuous government efforts to raise awareness about organ donation. The Ministry, along with health sector partners, regularly organizes campaigns and events to educate the community about the importance of organ donation.
Expert Evaluations and Recommendations
International experts have praised the UAE’s kidney transplant programs and the world-class services provided. The General Assembly of the World Health Organisation has adopted recommendations for sustainable organ donation programs, many of which have been incorporated into UAE’s new federal law.
Encouraging Participation
Dr. Ali Abdulkarim Al Obaidli, Chairman of the National Committee for Organ Transplantation, and Dr. Maria Gomez, Director of the National Centre for Regulating Donation and Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues, encourage citizens and residents to register as organ donors. The Hayat Program has seen 26,825 individuals register, with over 255 becoming donors.
One donor can save up to eight lives, and living donors can donate kidneys and parts of their liver to relatives and non-relatives. Post-mortem donors can donate vital organs and tissues, providing hope to many patients in need.
Doubts Revealed
UAE -: UAE stands for the United Arab Emirates. It is a country in the Middle East, known for cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Hayat Program -: The Hayat Program is a special initiative in the UAE that helps people donate their organs after they pass away to save other people’s lives.
Organ Donations -: Organ donations are when someone gives their organs, like kidneys or heart, to help someone else who is sick and needs a new organ to live.
Post-mortem -: Post-mortem means after death. So, post-mortem organ donations are when someone donates their organs after they have died.
Ministry of Health and Prevention -: This is a part of the UAE government that takes care of health services and makes sure people stay healthy.
World Organ Donor Day -: World Organ Donor Day is a special day to remind people about the importance of donating organs to save lives.
Organ Transplantation -: Organ transplantation is a medical procedure where a sick person’s damaged organ is replaced with a healthy one from a donor.
417% increase -: A 417% increase means that the number of organ donations has grown more than four times over the past five years.
International partnerships -: International partnerships are when different countries or organizations work together to achieve a common goal, like improving health services.
