Sidra Medicine, a member of Qatar Foundation, recently administered a life-saving medication to a baby named Malkha Rouhi who was diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA). This treatment, made possible through generous fundraising efforts, offers hope to children with this severe and rare genetic disease. Dr. Tawfeg Ben-Omran, Division Chief of Genetic and Genomic Medicine at Sidra Medicine, expressed gratitude for the trust placed in the hospital by Malkha’s family. The successful gene therapy showcases the power of collaboration between healthcare institutions, Qatar Charity, and the community in providing life-saving treatments to those in need.
As the only hospital in Qatar equipped to provide groundbreaking gene therapy for SMA, Sidra Medicine is dedicated to delivering world-class healthcare and cutting-edge genetic therapies for rare diseases. Dr. Khalid Ibrahim, Senior Attending Pediatric Neurologist at Sidra Medicine, highlighted the significant advancements in precision medicine through Malkha’s treatment. Additionally, Sidra Medicine has successfully administered the medication to nearly 50 babies with SMA as part of a comprehensive management program for the disease. The hospital’s commitment to providing life-changing care to young patients in the region is evident through its successful track record in treating SMA.
Malkha’s parents, Risal Abdul Rasheed and Nihala Nizam, expressed their gratitude for the support from the community, Qatar Charity, and the medical team at Sidra Medicine. They credited the generosity of the people in Qatar for enabling them to access the life-saving treatment for their baby. The family acknowledged the financial and emotional support received during their journey and expressed immense gratitude for the care provided to Malkha. The successful treatment of Malkha with Zolgensma, a drug made by Novartis for SMA, further solidifies Sidra Medicine’s position as a leading treatment center for genetic diseases in the MENA region.
By collaborating with international institutions and investing in cutting-edge technologies, Sidra Medicine continues to provide the highest quality care to patients in Qatar. The hospital’s role as the lead treatment center for administering Zolgensma in the region underscores its commitment to advancing precision medicine and offering innovative treatments for rare genetic diseases. The successful administration of the life-saving medication to Malkha Rouhi serves as a testament to Sidra Medicine’s dedication to providing exceptional healthcare to children with complex medical needs.
