Dubai Health Authority (DHA) is participating in the Nabadat initiative to provide free care for kids with congenital heart defects across the world. A total of 100 children with congenital heart abnormalities received free surgeries in Egypt through the Nabadat programme.
DHA cardiologists collaborated with Kafrelsheikh University Hospital in Egypt to carry out the cardiac procedures. The Nabadat team selected the 100 patients after studying all cases and prioritising those in urgent need of this life-saving surgery.
Nabadat, which means heartbeat in Arabic, is a programme launched by the Mohammed Bin Rashid Charity and Humanitarian Establishment (MBRCHE) in collaboration with the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) to alleviate the suffering of impoverished children with congenital heart disease (CHD).
The initiative is taking place under the patronage of Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives. It provides free medical assistance, life-saving surgery and post-surgical care to children whose parents cannot afford to pay for the treatment.
CHD is a common type of birth defect where malformations occur to the structure of the heart. Each year more than a million babies worldwide are born with CHD. More than 100,000 of them will not live to see their first birthday and thousands more will die before they reach adulthood.
Positive impact
There are more than 30 types of CHD. The three most common are septal defects (hole in the heart), obstruction defects (partial or total blockage of the flow of blood) and cyanotic defects, which leads to a lack of oxygen being pumped through the body.
HE Humaid Al Qutami, Director-General of the DHA, said Nadadat is one of the most important humanitarian initiatives; it treats the youngest members of our society and provides them with an opportunity to lead a healthy and active life.
He said this is in line with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, who stresses the importance of humanitarian work that alleviates the burdens of those in need.
He also said that the DHA is keen to continue on supporting this initiative in partnership with the MBRCHE to treat more patients in the UAE and abroad.
HE Ibrahim Bumelha, Cultural and Humanitarian Advisor of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum and Deputy Chairman of MBRCHE, said the foundation’s efforts to treat those in need is in line with the directives of Sheikh Mohammed who is known for his humanitarian efforts that extends to many countries around the world.
He said Nabadat concluded its visit to Egypt in collaboration with the DHA’s medical team who conducted open-heart surgery and catheterisation for children aged three to 14 years to treat their congenital heart diseases.
He explained the importance of the initiative and its positive impact on children suffering from congenital heart diseases, as it reduces their family’s financial burden and gives them new hope for recovery, which is the main objective of Nabadat.
He added that the MBRCHE has made great progress in charitable and humanitarian work by implementing the Nabadat initiative in a number of countries to benefit children with heart diseases, and this great work benefited many children seeking these surgeries.
The Nabadat team included medical staff specialising in paediatric cardiothoracic surgery, intensive care, technicians and nurses. They performed a number of complex surgical operations in the field of open-heart surgery and catheterisation for the treatment of congenital malformations in children and diseases of valves and heart arteries.
To date, the Nabadat team has visited Sudan three times. The team has also provided free heart surgeries to children in India, Addis Ababa, Mauritania, Egypt and Tajikistan.
Nabadat covers the complete cost of care and provides logistical support to the medical team.
Dr Obaid Al Jassim, Head of Cardiothoracic Surgery at Dubai Hospital, said, “Congenital heart disease is the most common congenital disorder in newborns. It requires surgery or catheter-based intervention and in most cases, children live a normal life post-treatment.
“In many places where Nabadat carries out its services, we find that there is a delay in treatment due to lack of access, financial resources and awareness. Some places have no medical facilities and expertise.
“So many children we treat have long-standing congenital disease, they suffer from rapid breathing, bluish skin, poor weight gain and constant feelings of tiredness. They cannot enjoy a childhood where they can run and play. The surgery is not only life saving but also allows them to enjoy a good quality of life.”
Al Jassim also explained that the surgery reduces the psychological and economic burden that families endure as a result of CHD.
Anyone wishing to make enquiries can contact Dubai Hospital on
04 219 5000.
