The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) has announced a significant milestone, with the National Programme for Donation and Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues (Hayat) completing 1,000 post-mortem organ donations since its establishment in 2017. This achievement reflects the collaborative efforts of various entities and sectors in the UAE, showcasing the country’s leadership in organ transplantation and contributing to the ‘We the UAE 2031’ vision. The success of the programme aligns with the aspirations of the leadership to position the UAE prominently on the global stage.
Coinciding with World Organ Donor Day on August 13, this milestone highlights the UAE’s commitment to being a role model for regional and global excellence in organ donation. Government efforts to raise awareness about organ donation, paired with the nation’s robust capabilities in healthcare, have contributed to the success of the programme. The UAE’s skilled medical professionals, advanced health facilities, cutting-edge technological infrastructure, and strategic international partnerships have been instrumental in achieving this milestone.
The Hayat Programme follows the highest international standards and plays a crucial role in enhancing the UAE’s health sector’s competitiveness globally. The country has hosted visits from international experts to review organ transplantation facilities, facilitating knowledge transfer, capacity building, and validation of the healthcare system’s readiness. The programme has been recognized as the fastest-growing worldwide based on performance improvements and high donor rates per million people, with a 417% increase in organ donation and transplantation growth over the past five years.
The success of the Hayat Programme signifies significant progress in promoting organ donation culture among citizens and residents, reinforcing sustainability values, and contributing to the objectives of the Wellbeing Index. The programme has provided patients in need of organ transplantation with hope for a new life, leveraging the efficiency of the UAE’s healthcare system and its advanced capabilities. Additionally, the UAE’s proactive approach in adopting best international practices, as seen in the new federal law incorporating WHO recommendations, highlights the country’s commitment to sustainable organ donation and transplantation programs.
In terms of numbers, the Hayat Programme has seen 26,825 individuals register their willingness to donate, with more than 255 donors contributing to saving lives. One donor has the potential to save the lives of eight patients, and living donors can contribute kidneys and parts of their liver to relatives up to the fourth degree or to non-relatives. Post-mortem donors can donate vital organs such as the heart, liver, kidneys, lungs, pancreas, and parts of the intestine, in addition to tissues. Through the success of the programme, the UAE continues to demonstrate its commitment to organ donation and transplantation excellence on a global scale.
