SEHA highlights significance of organ donation and transplantation at ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon

SEHA sets up emergency clinic and awareness booth about Hayat – the National Programme for Organ Donation and Transplantation at the Marathon

Abu Dhabi, UAE, December 26, 2023: The Abu Dhabi Health Services Company (SEHA), a subsidiary of PureHealth – the largest healthcare platform in the Middle East, emphasised the importance of organ donation and transplantation, as well as highlighted the need to adopt a healthy lifestyle during the ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon 2023 in the UAE capital. 

As part of its participation in the marathon and related events, which was held in Abu Dhabi from December 12 and culminated with the main race on December 16, SEHA set up an emergency clinic at the ADNOC Marathon Village and organised an awareness campaign on the importance of Hayat – the National Programme for Organ Donation and Transplantation.

Participants as well as visitors at the ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon were encouraged to register their willingness to donate organs on the Ministry of Health and Prevention’s Hayat application. The awareness campaign also urged people to adopt a healthier lifestyle to reduce the need for organ transplants, and importance of good health to qualify for organ donation.

The showcase of Hayat programme was aimed at dispelling myths and misconceptions surrounding organ donation and encouraging individuals to make informed decisions as organ donors. Activities included Hayat cinema – showcasing inspiring real organ donation stories from the UAE, Hayat registration, Hayat partners, Hayat passport through health check-up stations, and other activations.

The Hayat Programme has enabled a total number of 582 organ transplant operations in the country since 2017, including 328 kidneys, 199 liver, 16 hearts, 26 lungs, and 13 pancreases. The total number of donors have reached 202 since 2017. The program is distinguished by its community solidarity and tolerance by enabling transplantation for needy organ failure patients in the country regardless of race, religion, or income, as more than 52 different nationalities have contributed and benefited.

Dr. Ali Al Obaidli, Chairman of UAE National Transplant Committee/ Group Chief Academic Affairs Officer and Chairman of the AI Committee at SEHA, said: “The Hayat Programme works in coordination with various strategic partners locally and globally to save lives, and continues to improve the health and safety of the community and enhance the quality of life. We showcased the achievements of the programme at the ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon as well as encouraged everyone on the importance of organ donation and transplantation. Thanks to the guidance and support of the UAE’s leadership, we continue to work towards providing the community with the best healthcare support.”

Saeed Jaber Al Kuwaiti, Group Chief Executive Officer of SEHA, said: “Our participation at the Abu Dhabi Marathon offered us an opportunity to highlight the importance of the Hayat programme to a diverse audience, including medical professionals and international athletes. It is an excellent platform to promote, network, and engage with potential donors and recipients. Under the leadership of PureHealth, we at SEHA are committed to develop and regulate the organ donation and transplantation ecosystem in the UAE in line with the best international quality and ethical standards.” 

Hayat Programme is a national system to enhance efforts for the donation and transplantation of human organs and tissues in accordance with the highest international standards and practices. The programme is a synergy of collaborative efforts of many federal and local authorities, including the Ministry of Health and Prevention, the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, the Dubai Health Authority, SEHA, and several governmental and private health facilities across the country.

To find out more about SEHA’s specialised clinic, or book an appointment, call 80050 or visit SEHA.ae. You can also book an appointment through the SEHA mobile app, or WhatsApp 02 410 2200.

To learn more, please visit www.purehealth.ae