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

The UAE 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 (Jan 31).

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, establishing a new world record for online donor registration.

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Spreading positivity and solidarity

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.

Reaching out to wider community

Nursing students Andleeb Syed Muhammad Yousuf and Aida Muhammad Haneef Gulf travelled from Gulf Medical University in Ajman to Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences in Dubai on Wednesday to personally pledge for organ donation.

They called on the youth and students their age to register for the Hayat programme.

According to MoHAP, there are two ways to participate actively: the first is to become a Hayat ambassador, and the second is to become a Hayat volunteer. The Hayat ambassadors serve as leaders who help educate and encourage the community to support the programme. They participate in events, activities and public discussions.

Hayat volunteers promote awareness about the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle and preventing chronic diseases. They also invite and guide UAE residents to register on the Hayat platform.

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