UAE aims to be a leader in improving children’s health; the Pediatric Bone Marrow Transplant Center embodies this goal: Sheikh Nahyan

The UAE is committed to the promotion of excellent health and advanced medical practice, said His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister for Tolerance and Co-existence. He was inaugurating the second edition of the two-day Emirates Pediatric Bone Marrow Transplant Congress hosted by Burjeel Medical City in association with global partners and the MENA Conference, which began here on Saturday.

“With the strong leadership and support of His Highness the President, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, we are moving forward with ambitious plans to strengthen medical services available to children. Your initiative to establish a world-class Pediatric Bone Marrow Transplant Center is certainly an embodiment of those goals and aspirations. This Center will help to expand access to excellent child medical care, to promote high-quality services, and encourage partnerships with leading medical centers around the world,” the Minister, who is also the patron of the conference, said.

The theme of the congress is ‘International Get-Together of Pediatric BMT Physicians to Celebrate the Success of Saving Children Globally’. Delegates of the congress, attended by physicians from more than 23 countries, will provide valuable perspectives on the advancements, innovative techniques, and best practices in Pediatric Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation (HSCT) and Cell Therapy. The congress, which was launched after the first pediatric BMT in the UAE that took place in 2022, is being attended by 550 local and international delegates.

Supported by the UAE’s advanced healthcare infrastructure and inspired by the vision to turn Abu Dhabi into a life sciences hub, Burjeel Medical City set up a comprehensive bone marrow transplant center in 2022, where the first bone marrow transplant from a donor to a child took place. Since then, the flagship facility under Burjeel Holdings has performed 30 consecutive BMTs for children suffering from various blood disorders, including leukemia, with zero mortality. These procedures have benefitted children from India, Pakistan, Jordan, Egypt, Iraq, Syria, Morocco,

Libya, Afghanistan, Algeria, Nigeria, and Sudan, cementing the UAE’s position as a global healthcare destination.

Dr. Shamsheer Vayalil, Founder and Chairman of Burjeel Holdings, said, “Under the guidance of the President, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and with the support of the authorities like the Department of Health in Abu Dhabi, the number of pediatric BMTs performed in the UAE is increasing yearly, and children with cancers and other blood disorders have access to life-saving treatments in our own country. Encouraged by their support, we are investing heavily in the development of acute and complex pediatric services. This congress is an opportunity to reflect on the amazing work that is being done around the world and here in Abu Dhabi and will see experts from across disciplines come together to engage in an informative dialogue about the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.”

Dr. Zainul Aabideen, Consultant and Head of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and BMT and Conference Chair, said, “From pioneering the first allogeneic pediatric BMT in the UAE to performing life-saving transplants, we are dedicated to healing and supporting children with devastating diseases. We believe sharing our knowledge and experience with experts from around the world and gathering insights will help us advance pediatric transplantation care together. Our distinguished speakers will provide valuable perspectives on the advancements, innovative techniques, and best practices in Pediatric HSCT and Cell Therapy.”

Prof. Rupert Handgretinger, Consultant, Pediatric Hematology Oncology and BMT, and Conference Co-Chair, said, “It is our aim to create an environment that encourages active participation, engagement, and the sharing of expertise among all attendees. Let us collectively work towards improving child health in the UAE and the region.”

The two-day conference will conclude on Sunday.