All posts by Abdullah Zafar

Stories of Hope

Joy is restored for young heart patient

Salim was born with a ventricular septal deformity, a hole in his heart, which caused developmental delays, fatigue when feeding, coughing and shortness of breath. Although, his parents faithfully followed his condition with the doctors in the hope that there would be an improvement, by the time he reached 5-months-old his symptoms began to deteriorate. He suffered from shortness of breath and due to severe lack of oxygen his skin had begun to turn blue. It was clear that Salim needed to undergo open heart surgery immediately.

The biggest challenge facing the family were the medical expenses but a friend directed them to Al Jalila Foundation where they found relief in their time of need.

“The support of the foundation and the hospital was not limited to performing surgery and medical care. They offered kindness and reassurance during the entire period of Salim’s intensive care until he left the hospital. It is with enormous gratitude to Al Jalila Foundation and the medical team that my child is in very good health and continues to improve day by day.”

Since 2013, with the dedicated support of donors, Al Jalila Foundation has been able to provide quality treatment to 844 patients like young Salim who were suffering from life threatening illnesses.

Press Release

91 Scientists from 26 institutions across the UAE apply for Al Jalila Foundation’s research grants to combat COVID-19

Al Jalila Foundation, a member of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, announced today that 91 scientists from 26 educational institutions across the UAE have applied for seed grants for research on combating the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19).

In line with its mission to transform lives, the global philanthropic organisation has been supporting talented biomedicine scientists in a number of research areas including cancer, cardiovascular disease and diabetes since its inception in 2013 investing over AED25 million to advance medical research. In April, Al Jalila Foundation expanded its research portfolio in response to the COVID-19 global outbreak.

The sixth seed grant cycle offers research grants of up to AED500,000 to support scientists in conducting 1 to 2-year research projects to investigate the pathology, diagnostics, epidemiology, transmission, therapeutics, and prevention related to COVID-19 with a specific focus on the UAE population and demographics. Applications received support 46 basic, 27 translational, and 18 clinical research projects. The prestigious grants open to UAE Nationals and residents saw applications from scientists of 31 nationalities conducting research at the nation’s most prestigious institutions including Mohamed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences; Khalifa University of Science and Technology; United Arab Emirates University; New York University Abu Dhabi; American University of Sharjah and University of Sharjah.

Her Excellency Dr Raja Al Gurg, Member of the Board of Trustees of Al Jalila Foundation and Chairperson of the Board of Directors of Al Jalila Foundation, commented: “Al Jalila Foundation’s investment in medical research reaffirms our commitment to embed research and innovation in the fabric of the UAE’s long-term healthcare strategy. By supporting talented scientists and investing in research, we are developing the next generation of innovators in health sciences and paving the way for medical breakthroughs to save lives.”

Dr Abdulkareem Sultan Al Olama, CEO of Al Jalila Foundation, said: “The COVID-19 global outbreak has amplified the need to invest in pioneering medical research. Now, more than ever, we are counting on scientists and doctors coming together to develop better diagnostic testing, treatments, and gain a better understanding of the coronavirus and other viral diseases. We are delighted with the incredible response we have received from the scientific community and confident about what this round of research grants will yield towards supporting the fight to combat the coronavirus.”

The applications are assessed through a stringent independent international peer review process overseen by a Scientific Advisory Committee. The committee is made up of the most brilliant minds in the region who work with the international peer review panel to award research grants to the most deserving scientists.

Professor Yousef Mohamed Abdulrazzaq AlBastaki, Chair of the Scientific Advisory Committee of Al Jalila Foundation, said: “We are very pleased by the great interest in our research grants and the quality of applications received from leading scientists at prestigious institutions across the UAE. Research is vital in building a knowledge-based economy and transforming the healthcare system to be more research oriented, and hence, improving people’s lives with better diagnostics and treatments. We look forward to supporting new ground-breaking research projects that will hopefully lead to medical discoveries and potentially a treatment for COVID-19 and other such viruses.”

Since inception in 2013, Al Jalila Foundation has provided opportunities to increase innovative and impactful medical research investing AED25 million to award 95 research grants and 8 international research fellowships at leading global institutions in the UK, USA and Japan to discover solutions for the region’s biggest health challenges.

The successful applicants will be announced by the end of September 2020 with research commencing in October 2020.

Stories of Hope

Hanah’s Gift of Hearing

When 9-month-old Hanah contracted life threatening meningitis it left her with irreversible hearing loss. Hope was close by when her parents learned that the cutting edge cochlear implant would restore her hearing. However, at a large cost the transforming solution was out of their reach. Al Jalila Foundation stepped in to fund the procedure and young Hanah, now 7-years-old, is a confident, adventurous, bright young child who excels at school and loves music. The overjoyed parents expressed: “Thank you for changing our child’s life forever. We are eternally grateful to Al Jalila Foundation for giving Hanah the greatest gift of all – the gift of hearing.”

According to the World Health Organization, 32 million children globally are affected by hearing impairment and in the Middle East, hearing loss is one of the region’s top five health problems, estimated to affect 1 in 25 people. Cochlear implants are highly effective in young children as the early stages of brain development maximises the child’s ability to develop speech, language and listening skills, ultimately transforming their life.

Hanah is one of 37 brave little warriors, sponsored by Al Jalila Foundation, who underwent a cochlear implant to restore her hearing. This innovative technology was only made possible by advancements in research and today, we are able to witness the transformative power this medical marvel has had on young lives like Hanah.

Newsletters

We are back in the office!

15 June 2020

The COVID-19 global pandemic continues to impact everyone around the world and every aspect of our daily lives at home, at work and in the community. As Dubai re-opens for business and COVID-19 restrictions ease we are grateful to the government and our leaders for their guidance, to the heroes who kept us safe and to our partners who continue to support Al Jalila Foundation. My team and I have returned to the office and I am happy to inform you that everyone is in good health.

Stories of Hope

The power of hope for Palestinian boy

12-year-old Muayad Al Arjani was born with Osteogenesis Imperfecta, better known as ‘brittle bones disease’, and was unable to stand or walk without breaking bones in his legs. He was confined to a wheelchair throughout his childhood, unable to play with his friends or lead a normal life.

Due to the lack of corrective treatment in Palestine life was a struggle for Muayad who was flown to Dubai for treatment with the help of The Little Wings Foundation in partnership with Al Jalila Foundation.

Muayad underwent a complex surgery to insert telescopic steel rods into his legs and repair the repeated fractures which will allow him more independence and, hopefully one day, free him from his wheelchair.

Life was hard for Muayad’s mother Mona Al Tarabeen, raising five daughters and two brothers in war-torn Gaza so when Dr Sinclair, orthopaedic surgeon and founder of The Little Wings Foundation, confirmed they were bringing him to the UAE for treatment, the family were overjoyed.

“It was very difficult to find help in our country. I am so grateful for this life-changing gift and filled with hope that Muayad can walk like other children and be happy.”

The Little Wings Foundation provides medical assistance to children who have musculoskeletal deformities in the Middle East. The foundation is run by volunteers, and since 2018 it has been working with Al Jalila Foundation to help facilitate life-transforming treatment to vulnerable children in the region.

Read more here.

Stories of Hope

Fighting cancer with the help of friends

Roderick had always been an active healthy man when he uncharacteristically began to develop a persistent fever, sore throat and nausea that he wasn’t recovering from.

Once he checked in to Dubai Hospital in July 2019 results revealed that he was suffering from acute myeloid leukemia and was in need of life-saving treatment. The doctors began chemotherapy immediately but Roderick discovered his healthcare plan was unable to carry the cost for his entire treatment. Roderick reached out and found support he needed from Al Jalila Foundation to complete the full course of vital medical care.

After 7 months Roderick was discharged from the hospital and while his treatment continues the doctors are very happy as he shows steady progress.

“I am already gaining weight, my hair is growing back and I feel my strength returning. I know that I will win this battle as there are a lot of people supporting my journey including Al Jalila Foundation. Thank you for your kindness.”

Through A’awen, Al Jalila Foundation provides treatment support to patients in need and has to date has given hope and healing to more than 844 adults and children in the UAE suffering from chronic illness.

Stories of Hope

Mother champions inclusion in the community

Kareema, an Emirati mother, recently joined 100 parents of children with intellectual disabilities to graduate from the 19th cohort of Ta’alouf Parents Training Program, the biggest cohort to date held in Dubai. Her 18-year-old daughter, Huda, was born with physical and mental disabilities which has been a driving force behind Kareema’s commitment and passion to support people of determination.

Kareema has tirelessly supported her daughter to finish high school and encouraged her to develop her artistic drawing talents. Huda has participated in several competitions and showcased her artwork in a number of galleries and even has her own Instagram account @artist_huda_karam. Kareema includes her daughter in meetings and social gatherings which helps to lift the stigma in the community encouraging the inclusion of all people in society.

Inspired by her experience with the Ta’alouf Parents Training and as an active member in the RAK Club for People of Determination, Kareema was instrumental in assisting Al Jalila Foundation to register other parents for the cohort held in Ras Al Khaimah.

Kareema is one of 886 families across the Emirates to have graduated from the Ta’alouf program to empower children of determination to live to their full potential.

Press Release

Al Jalila Foundation announces 2020/2021 international postgraduate scholarship programme to raise capacity to combat viral diseases including COVID-19

Al Jalila Foundation, a member of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, announced today that applications for its 2020/2021 postgraduate medical international scholarships have opened. As part of the country’s response to the global novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, the Foundation’s scholarship programme will help prepare a cadre of Emirati healthcare professionals to deal with viral diseases in the future.

With COVID-19 cases increasing quickly around the world and the total number of confirmed cases reaching three million, the outbreak has crippled health systems in many countries, primarily due to a shortage of resources, manpower and equipment. Medical capacity is critical to the success of a nation’s healthcare sector and the UAE has been exemplary in managing the health crisis rapidly.

To help proactively respond to both the local and global COVID-19 pandemic and to bolster the UAE’s capacity to address this pandemic and other viral diseases in the future, Al Jalila Foundation invites UAE Nationals to apply for postgraduate scholarships at world class international universities in a number of medical fields: virology, genetics and genomics, nanotechnology, stem cells, immunology and biomedical data science.

Increasing the availability of infectious disease specialists in-country will support the UAE in its mission to develop the best healthcare system in the world; it will also strengthen the country’s medical research capacity to respond to pandemics and quickly save lives.

Her Excellency Dr Raja Easa Al Gurg, Chairperson of the Board of Directors and Member of the Board of Trustees of Al Jalila Foundation, said: “The medical profession represents one of the most noble and greatest services rendered to mankind. Today with the coronavirus pandemic, we are all witnessing the courage of healthcare workers as they risk their lives to save patients’ lives. Health is the cornerstone of a nation’s longevity, economic development and sustainability and at Al Jalila Foundation we aim to build medical capacity to strengthen the health system to support the government’s efforts in safeguarding human health.”

Since the launch of the scholarship programme, Al Jalila Foundation has awarded 56 scholarships in nursing, dentistry, public health, pharmacy, molecular biology and biotechnology, among others at local institutions and three international scholarships at Harvard Medical School and Boston University. Al Jalila Foundation has invested AED 15.5 million to strengthen the UAE’s medical capabilities and continues to monitor the emerging healthcare needs to respond accordingly.

Dr. Abdulkareem Al Olama, CEO of Al Jalila Foundation, commented: “COVID-19 has highlighted a greater need for highly skilled medical professionals in a number of specialisations to address viral diseases and pandemics. If we look at the global frontrunners in healthcare, what sets them apart are their investments in developing their human capital. We are proud to once again extend financial support to aspiring Emirati healthcare professionals enabling them to specialise and further build the expertise to contribute to the wellbeing of the nation. Not only will our scholarships help to develop capabilities, they will build capacity, continuity and sustainability in the UAE’s healthcare sector. Each stream of graduates will contribute to the country’s quality of healthcare – and, by extension, the quality of life.”

The application deadline for Al Jalila Foundation international scholarships is 7 July 2020. Interested applicants can find more information and application guidelines on Al Jalila Foundation’s website www.aljalilafoundation.ae/scholarships.

Newsletters

#UnitedInHope for a Stronger Tomorrow

May 2020

This Ramadan, you and your families remain in our thoughts and I hope that you are healthy and staying positive during these very exceptional times. The Holy Month is a time of reflection, spending time with family and most importantly, giving to those in need. Whilst this Ramadan may be different, the values remain the same. We have already seen so many acts of kindness as the community rallies together to help people at the frontlines fighting the pandemic and those financially impacted by it.