Abu Dhabi Health Services Company 'SEHA' hosts 13th Congress of The Middle East Society of Organ Transplantation

The event is being held in Abu Dhabi under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak, Chairperson of General Women's Union Supreme President of the Family Development Foundation, President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood.

At a press conference in Abu Dhabi, Dr. Ali Al Obaidli, Group Chief Clinical Affairs Officer, SEHA and President, 13th Congress of the Middle East Society for Organ Transplantation, lauded, "The support of H.H. Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak and affirmed Abu Dhabi's leadership and initiative in hosting a regional gathering of this significance and magnitude."

"Hosting an event like the 13th Congress of the Middle East Society of Organ Transplantation adds to the capabilities, infrastructure, stability, safety and security that this city has to offer," he added.

According to Dr Al Obaidli, the theme of this year's congress is 'The Ethical Dimensions of Organ Donation'. The scientific programme of the congress consists of lectures and workshops presented by an international panel of experts sharing their knowledge on the latest technologies and studies in organ transplantation.

It will also discuss the shortage of organs suitable for transplantation and the evolving costs and the socio-economic impact it has on the region. The congress also hopes to strengthen cooperation in the field of organ transplantation among the various specialised centres in the Middle East and neighbouring countries.

SEHA will be at the forefront of this year's congress, with strong participation in the sharing of medical knowledge and experiences, reviewing the latest medical developments in organ transplantation and the ethical and social impact of organ donation in the region.

On behalf of Her Excellency Noura Al Suwaidi, Director of the General Women's Union, Mrs. Fatema Abdulla Al Mehrezi, Manager of Human Resources and Finance, emphasized, "The support of H.H. Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak for the Congress is vital, as transplantation has important cultural and humanitarian implications that affect a growing number of individuals and families in the United Arab Emirates."

"The primary objective of Her Highness's support is to raise awareness here in the UAE, as well as regionally and globally. Her Highness believes that prevention, by adopting a healthy lifestyle, is the best option. However, it is equally important for donors and recipients to maintain a healthy lifestyle to ensure the reduction of complications from organ transplantation," she added.

As part of the awareness campaign, Dr. Mohamed Hassan, Treasurer & Chair, Transplant Games announced the organization of the 4th Middle East Transplant Games (METG) from 14th - 15th December, at the Armed Forces Officers Club in Abu Dhabi. More than 150 donors and recipients from around the region will be participating in the event. This year is unique as the games will feature women athletes for the first time ever in the history of METG.

Colonel Salah Al Salomi Al Zaabi, the Director of Sports Management at the Armed Forces Officers Club in Abu Dhabi, extended the club's support to the event as a manifestation of its commitment to support the scientific and sports activities which benefit the health of individuals and the community at large. He said, "Such a congress is an opportunity to raise awareness of organ donation and the importance of exercise and sports for all of us."

The main sponsor for the event is SEHA. Other sponsors include Novartis, Amgen and Roche who are supporting as Platinum sponsors along with Daman Insurance, One Lambda and Hikma as Gold Sponsors and Fresenius Biotech as Silver Sponsors.