Over 1,000 organ transplants completed in Abu Dhabi under national ‘Hayat’ program

Abu Dhabi has solidified its status as a leading medical hub, completing over 1,000 organ transplants under the National Program for Donation and Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissue, known as “Hayat,” since its launch in 2017, WAM reported.

The milestone, announced on World Organ Donation Day, includes a record 290 transplants in 2024 alone: seven hearts, 142 kidneys, 117 livers, 22 lungs, and two pancreases.

Four major hospitals drive these achievements: Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Khalifa Medical City (SKMC), Burjeel Medical City (BMC), and Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City (SSMC).

Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, the nation’s first multi-organ transplant center, performed 241 transplants in 2024, including the UAE’s first combined heart and lung transplant. Other notable milestones include the region’s first combined lung-liver transplant in 2023 and the country’s first triple-paired kidney exchange.

SKMC has carried out over 114 kidney transplants in 2024 while expanding its liver transplant programs for both adults and children. SSMC has earned recognition in research and education, presenting 10 papers at international conferences and winning the Best Abstract Award at ISODP 2023.

The facility also conducted the UAE’s first COVID-positive organ donation. BMC has pioneered multiple procedures, including the first pediatric living donor liver transplant, first ABO-incompatible kidney transplant, and youngest pediatric liver transplant at five months old.

“Reaching this milestone reflects Abu Dhabi’s commitment to world-class healthcare,” said Dr. Noura Khamis Al Ghaithi, Undersecretary of the Department of Health - Abu Dhabi. She urged residents to join the Hayat program, highlighting that a single donor can save multiple lives.