The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) has organized a national workshop in Abu Dhabi to explore avenues for developing the National Program for Donation and Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues" (Hayat) and ways to promote the integration of federal, local, health, and academic efforts.
The event also shed light on the program's achievements, review the action plan, and adopt the best international practices, positioning the UAE as a leader in the field globally.
The gathering was attended by HE Dr. Salem Al Darmaki, Advisor to the Minister of Health and Prevention, along with members of the National Program for Donation and Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissue.
The workshop focused on ways to support relevant partners and secure human resources to enhance the health system's efficiency. It also discussed the role of the health insurance sector in supporting the program, adopting global performance indicators, and reviewing the achievements of organ transplantation centers at the state level.
Humanitarian initiative
In his opening speech, HE Dr. Salem Al Darmaki described the "Hayat" program as a humanitarian initiative that encourages organ donation, which gives fresh hope and a new life to those in need. He also stated the program has witnessed significant progress as 12,455 organ donors have registered and donation cases increased by 41% in 2022 compared to 2021, saving the lives of more than 500 people so far from 48 different nationalities.
Dr. Al Darmaki noted that the UAE is proactive in regulating the transfer and transplantation of human organs and tissues, issuing Federal Decree Law No. 5 of 2016. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai also approved a decision in September 2020 to establish the National Centre to Regulate Human Organs and Tissues Transplantation within the structure of the Ministry of Health and Prevention to support the health system in the country in this vital field.
Workshop recommendations
The workshop featured dialogue sessions that covered various topics related to the Hayat Program, such as the program's outputs, a review of accredited hospitals providing organ transplant services, and the importance of professional specialization in this field. Other topics included the role of universities in supporting organ donation and transplant disciplines, the importance of senior management in hospitals providing organ transplant services, funding issues, and the costs of organ transplantation.
The workshop ended with several recommendations related to prevention and community participation, collaborative approach among the stakeholders for the activation of the organ donation under the umbrella of the MOHAP/National Center, and measurement of key performance indicators, higher education and professionalization of organ donation, the organ donation and transplantation national registry. The recommendations also covered the living donor program, the kidney paired exchange program, and the logistical aspects of organizing the organ donation and transplantation processes.
The Hayat Organ Donation Program provides an opportunity for every UAE resident over the age of 21 to express their desire to donate their organs after brain death. The program offers a permanent solution for many patients and gives them new hope in life, leaving a positive impact on the donor and recipient alike. The registration platform "Hayat" for organ donation is available on the website and application of the Ministry of Health and Prevention.