MoHAP hosts workshop to develop 'Hayat' programme for organ, tissue donation and transplantation

The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) has organised a national workshop in Abu Dhabi to explore avenues for developing the National Programme 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 programme's achievements, reviewing the action plan, adopting the best international practices, and positioning the UAE as a leader in the field globally.

The gathering was attended by Dr. Salem Al Darmaki, Advisor to the Minister of Health and Prevention, along with members of the National Programme for Donation and Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissue.

The workshop focused on supporting the relevant partners and securing human resources to enhance the health system's efficiency. It also discussed the role of the health insurance sector in supporting the programme, adopting global performance indicators, and reviewing the achievements of organ transplantation centres at the state level.

Humanitarian Initiative

In his opening speech, Dr. Al Darmaki described the "Hayat" programme as a humanitarian initiative that encourages organ donation, giving fresh hope and a new life to those in need. He also stated that the programme had witnessed significant progress as 12,455 organ donors have registered, and donation cases increased by 41 percent in 2022 compared to 2021, saving the lives of more than 500 people from 48 different nationalities.

Dr. Al Darmaki stated 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, Prime Minister 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 MoHAP 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 Programme, such as the programme's outputs, a review of accredited hospitals providing organ transplant services, and the importance of professional specialisation 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 Centre, and measurement of key performance indicators, higher education and professionalisation of organ donation, the organ donation and transplantation national registry. The recommendations also covered the living donor programme, the kidney paired exchange programme, and the logistical aspects of organising the organ donation and transplantation processes.

The Hayat programme provides an opportunity for every UAE resident over 21 to express their desire to donate their organs after brain death. The programme 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 MoHAP via the following link: [https://mohap.gov.ae/en/services/social/organ-donation].

News Source: Emirates News Agency