- In excess of AED 33 million, Al Jalila Foundation Fund 60 Organ Transplant Patients under “Your Donation Saves Lives” Campaign
Al Jalila Foundation, the charitable entity of Dubai Health, revealed that it has helped save the lives of 60 patients through funding organ transplant procedures under the first and second editions of the Your Donation Saves Lives campaign.
The announcement coincides with World Organ Donation Day, observed annually on 13 August, and reflects the Foundation’s long-term commitment to supporting patients with organ failure and fostering a culture of organ donation as a humanitarian value.
Since it was initiated in April 2021, the campaign has been assisting 60 transplant operations, 53 of which are kidney transplants and 7 liver transplants. These include 24 kidney failure children and 5 liver failure children. Under this program, the Foundation continues to assist over 65 patients with life-saving transplants, who cannot afford or access specialty care.
These activities are in line with the objectives of HAYAT, the National Program for Organ and Tissue Donation and Transplantation and conducted in collaboration with Dubai Health’s unified academic healthcare system.
From Campaign to Permanent Program
Dr. Amer Al Zarooni, CEO of Al Jalila Foundation, announced that Your Donation Saves Lives campaign is now a permanent ongoing initiative under the Foundation’s A’awen program offering financial support to patients in need of life-critical medical care throughout the UAE, a move that supports Dubai Health’s commitment, “Patient First”.
On World Organ Donation Day, we renew our pledge to helping patients with organ failure and express our sincere gratitude to the selfless donors, individuals and institutions, who have helped both the first and second editions of the Your Donation Saves Lives campaign. Their generosity is a shining example of human solidarity with the first edition alone supporting almost 30% of all organ transplants carried out in Dubai,” stated Dr. Al Zarooni.
He also expressed his thanks to living donors and the families of deceased donors, adding: “Your compassion has given others a second chance at life. We thank you for your extraordinary generosity.”
Ensuring Safe, Successful Transplants
Dr. Ashraf Al Hinnawi, Dubai Health Consultant Transplant Surgeon, told that the medical team acts together to thoroughly assess both the donor and the patient prior to transplantation in order to achieve the highest possible long-term outcomes.
“We conduct comprehensive assessments of kidney function and immune compatibility between the donor and recipient, along with detailed medical and surgical evaluations that include lab tests and imaging studies to ensure the success of the transplant. We also follow up with patients regularly after the procedure to ensure adherence to the treatment plan and to closely monitor kidney function.”
For living donors, Dr. Al Hinnawi explained that they are subject to a careful examination, including kidney evaluation, functional testing, and screening for infectious and malignant conditions, as well as psychological and social evaluation.
He further stated that the cases of all candidates are evaluated by a multi-disciplinary medical committee to decide on donor eligibility for the best possible safety measures for both the donor and the recipient.
A Lifeline for Patients in Need
Al Jalila Foundation also continues to accept donations via A’awen, providing an option for individuals and organizations to finance life-altering programmes that promote wellness and cover crucial medical treatment.
The initial campaign release was done in April 2021 in association with Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department, and Emarat Al Youm newspaper. The second campaign was conducted in September 2024 and ended in December of the same year as part of an association between the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department, Al Jalila Foundation, and Emarat Al Youm newspaper.
Transplant procedures were carried out in collaboration with Dubai Health’s Dubai Hospital and Al Jalila Children’s Hospital, as well as Mediclinic City Hospital and King’s College Hospital London in Dubai.
Stories of Hope – Yousef’s New Beginning
Among the campaign recipients, is Yousef Jashim, a child who received a kidney transplant with the help of Al Jalila Foundation. Yousef was experiencing persistent tiredness and constant pain and was having frequent dialysis sessions that interfered greatly with his daily activities and had strict dietary limits. When he was fourteen years old, the physicians informed his family of the need for a kidney transplant as a fundamental part of his treatment process.
Al Jalila Foundation’s support was instrumental, helping the family cover the cost of the surgery.
Following the transplant, Yousef’s life transformed. He regained his energy and no longer required dialysis. His mother expressed deep gratitude to Al Jalila Foundation, the medical teams involved in his care, and the wider community whose support helped save her son’s life.
Roula’s Healing Journey
Roula Tabba’a is also one of those recipients of the campaign, after enduring a long struggle with kidney failure. She had dialysis three times weekly, which resulted in extreme physical and psychological fatigue. She was diagnosed with the illness for the first time in 2016 and had numerous operations.
Al Jalila Foundation subsidized the cost of her dialysis treatment and medical investigations and finally helped her get into the kidney transplant program.
Following years of anticipation, Roula was given the life-altering news by the medical team that she had been accepted for the procedure. Through the tireless efforts of the medical team, the transplant proved successful. Following the surgery, her entire life was transformed, she no longer required dialysis and was able to move around freely once more, travel and live life on her own terms.
Roula conveyed her sincere gratitude to Al Jalila Foundation, stating that its assistance not only rescued her life but also renewed hope and stability for her whole family.
