A delegation from the UAE’s Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) recently concluded a formal visit to Spain aimed at strengthening international collaboration in organ donation and transplantation. Led by H.E. Dr. Amin Al Amiri, Assistant Undersecretary for the Health Regulation Sector and Supervisor of the National Program “Hayat,” the group included key officials such as Dr. Ali Abdulkarim Al Obaidli, Dr. Maria Gomez, and Dr. Fathia Al Awadhi. The visit aligned with the UAE’s strategic goal to expand global partnerships, improve healthcare quality, and promote humanitarian values.
During the visit, the delegation engaged in discussions with leading academic and medical institutions, focusing on knowledge exchange and exploring new technologies and best practices in organ donation and transplantation. A key objective was to position the UAE as a model in regulating human organ and tissue transplantation while unifying national efforts to improve patient outcomes.
Scientific meetings preceded field visits to the University of Barcelona (CREATIO), where the delegation learned about cutting-edge research in cellular therapy, regenerative medicine, and gene therapy. They toured advanced laboratories, gaining insights into innovative research that could inform future UAE initiatives.
The delegation also visited the Hospital Clinic of Barcelona to study organ preservation and transport techniques. They were introduced to the organ transplant coordination unit and examined advanced organ preservation devices. Discussions emphasized the importance of implementing Donation after Circulatory Death (DCD) programs and ex-situ perfusion techniques—methods that significantly enhance transplant success rates. Both sides agreed on the potential benefits of establishing a DCD program in the UAE to increase organ availability, reduce waiting lists, and save more lives.
Furthermore, the delegation held in-depth talks with the DTI Foundation, a prominent organization specializing in organ transplantation education and research. The foundation showcased its programs in tissue banking, biomedical research, and organ preservation, with an emphasis on future collaborations in training and scientific development.
H.E. Dr. Amin Al Amiri underscored that this visit embodies the UAE’s vision of building a comprehensive healthcare system through strategic international partnerships. He emphasized that the “Hayat” program reflects the nation’s commitment to human organ donation, life-saving initiatives, and health sustainability—values deeply rooted in Emirati society. The collaboration aims to elevate the UAE’s capabilities, adopt global best practices, and ultimately improve the quality of life for its citizens.
Reference:
MoHAP delegation visits Spain to explore global best practices in human organ and tissue donation and transplantation. (n.d.). Ministry of Health and Prevention – UAE. https://mohap.gov.ae/en/w/mohap-delegation-visits-spain-to-explore-global-best-practices-in-human-organ-and-tissue-donation-and-transplantation
