Dubai: Al Jalila Foundation’s paediatric treatment programme has treated numerous children from war stricken countries in its commitment to continue the humanitarian work of Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan.
On the occasion of Zayed Humanitarian Day, the hospital commemorates his legacy through highlighting projects and stories that are consistent with his vision and values. Zayed Humanitarian Day is observed on Ramadan 19 to mark the death anniversary of Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan.
One of the story is of seven year-old Majd Radwan Mohammad from Syria.
After suffering a brain stroke that impaired his speech, Mohammad also had difficulties while eating and swallowing. He received neurorehabilitation therapy, physiotherapy, occupational and speech therapy at Al Jalila Children’s Specialty Hospital, and has made steady progress.
“It was very difficult to see our son suffering from a stroke but to see him responding positively to the treatment here, makes me very happy,” said Radwan Mohammad, the child’s father
Mohammad’s doctor, Dr Haitham Al Bashir, paediatric neurorehabilitation therapist, said it’s a myth that only older adults are prone to suffering from strokes. He pointed out strokes remains among the top 10 causes of death in children.
“Majd now can speak full sentences and talk to his parents, as well as chew and swallow normally,” said Dr Al Bashir.
The hospital’s paediatric department also treated five year-old Bushra Saeed from Yemen who suffered from an atrial septal defect.
Bushra, who has a congenital heart defect that was discovered at the age of five, received urgent open heart surgery at the hospital.
The Saeed family came from Yemen to start a new life in the UAE, and they discovered Bushra’s condition six months later. Considering the financial burden such a surgery would have on the family, they were advised to contact Al Jalila Foundation.
Today, Bushra’s condition has improved dramatically and she is described as a “happy active young girl” by those around her. Bushra recently graduated from kindergarten and has made a full recovery.
“The foundation offered us great relief through timely support and we are grateful to have our precious and happy girl back with us in full health,” said Bushra’s father, Salah M Saeed.
The foundation’s paediatric treatment programme has supported 131 children suffering from a number of ailments including heart disease, cancer and other chronic illnesses.
“We are proud to uphold the vision of His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to transform lives through innovative and sustainable philanthropic [health care] programmes that will impact generations to come,” said Dr Raja Easa Al Gurg, Chairperson of the Board of Directors and Member of the Board of Trustees Al Jalila Foundation.
Since 2013, the foundation has invested Dh28 million to provide quality care and treatment to 369 patients, including 131 children.
The treatment costs for children’s treatment have ranged from Dh20,000 to Dh250,000.
Al Jalila Foundation is dedicated to funding research vital to decrease the incidences of cancer, heart diseases and other chronic illnesses. With the help and engagement of the community, it has awarded 76 research grants worth Dh20 million to advance medical research in the UAE to save lives.
