Marking World Organ Donation Day, the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH), has revealed that more than 800 organ transplant procedures were successfully performed across Abu Dhabi healthcare facilities since the launch of the National Programme for Donation and Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissue – Hayat (Hayat) in 2017 to the end of 2023.
The DoH has highlighted a 56 per cent increase in organ donations through the National Programme for Donation and Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissue – Hayat (Hayat), and a 36 per cent rise in organ transplants in Abu Dhabi in 2023 compared to the previous year.
Since the launch of the Hayat programme, the transplants in Abu Dhabi included 422 kidney transplants, 259 liver transplants, 41 lung transplants, 22 heart transplants, 14 pancreas transplants, and 51 simultaneous or multi-organ transplants. Organs were transplanted from post-mortem and living donors through groundbreaking procedures involving robotic surgeries and other advanced medical technologies.
Her Excellency Dr Noura Khamis Al Ghaithi, Undersecretary of DoH, said: “The achievements of Abu Dhabi’s healthcare sector in organ transplantation underscore the immense capabilities we possess. Guided by our wise leadership, Abu Dhabi has emerged as a leading global hub in organ transplantation, supported by cutting-edge infrastructure, dedicated healthcare professionals, and world-class medical facilities. The department remains committed to further strengthening our organ transplantation capabilities in Abu Dhabi to reinforce the emirate’s position as a global leader in healthcare.
“Organ donation is a noble act of humanity that embodies the highest values of generosity. It provides others with renewed hope and enhances their quality of life, serving as a powerful symbol of community solidarity. Whether from living or deceased donors, organ donations save countless lives and offer patients the chance for a full recovery. Donors display remarkable generosity by offering a part of themselves to save another’s life – a generosity that is equally reflected by the families of deceased donors who, despite their grief, choose to give others the profound gift of life.”
Organ transplants in Abu Dhabi are performed at four healthcare facilities: Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi; Sheikh Khalifa Medical City; Burjeel Medical City; and Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City.
DoH encourages all members of the community to learn more about the Hayat national programme, and to participate in the initiative to help save lives and enhance the wellbeing of those around them. Abu Dhabi is a global leader in healthcare and a hub for innovation in life sciences. The emirate continues to strengthen its capabilities in organ donation and transplantation by collaborating with partners worldwide to improve the health and safety of communities.
For more information on organ donation and transplantation, visit: doh.gov.ae/en/organ-donation.
