Khaleej Times

More than 4K residents sign up online for Hayat

UAE sets world record for most number of organ donors signing up in 1 hour

- Angel Tesorero angel@khaleejtim­es.com

The UAE has set a new world record for the highest number of online organ donation registrati­ons within a one-hour timeframe. More than 4,000 residents signed up for Hayat on Wednesday.

Hayat (which means life in Arabic ) is the National Programme for Donation and Transplant­ation of Human Organs and Tissues, establishe­d in September 2020 under the supervisio­n of the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP).

Before the start of the online drive, there were 21,357 UAE residents of various nationalit­ies who registered in Hayat. After one hour, 4,010 more donors were added, and the number stood at 25,367 as of 3pm on Wednesday, setting a new world record for online donor registrati­on.

Hayat chairman Dr Ali Abdulkarim Al Obaidli told Khaleej Times: “Hayat is a programme for everybody and from everybody. It is a symbol of solidarity within the community that you care for everyone, especially those suffering from organ failure”.

“Hayat also has a component for the donors to stay healthy to help save lives and become donors when they pass away. Only a small percentage of those who registered will become donors, but signing for Hayat is a gesture of spreading positive culture and solidarity.”

Dr Al Obaidli noted all UAE residents aged 18 and above can register for the ‘Hayat’ programme to express their willingnes­s to donate organs after their passing. The only document needed to register is an Emirates ID.

Nursing students Andleeb Syed Muhammad Yousuf and Aida Muhammad Haneef Gulf travelled all the way from Gulf Medical University in Ajman to Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences in Dubai on Wednesday to take the pledge for organ donation. They called on the youth to register with Hayat.

Hayat has a component for the donors to stay healthy to help save lives and become donors when they pass away.” Dr Ali Abdulkarim Al Obaidli Hayat chairman

 ?? PHOTOS BY ANGEL TESORERO / KHALEEJ TIMES ?? Residents sign up for organ donation on Wednesday.
PHOTOS BY ANGEL TESORERO / KHALEEJ TIMES Residents sign up for organ donation on Wednesday.
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