A young boy from Gaza has been given a second chance at life thanks to a complex bone marrow transplant performed in the UAE under the care of the Abu Dhabi Stem Cells Centre (ADSCC). This was part of the UAE's humanitarian efforts under the directives of its leadership to support the people of Gaza and provide world-class healthcare to those in need.
The child, who was diagnosed with DADA-2 deficiency, a rare and life-threatening immunodeficiency condition, spent seven months at Yas Clinic in Khalifa City, receiving intensive care due to the severity of his condition. The boy's sister, a matching donor, was flown in from Gaza to support the transplant procedure, which was carried out in April. Despite a difficult post-operative period, the child has now recovered and returned home.
“This was an extraordinary case that brought together every element of modern medicine, from genetics and immunology to critical care and transplantation. The commitment shown by our multidisciplinary team and our partners at ADSCC made all the difference in this child’s life”, said Dr. Maysoon Al Karam, Chief Medical Officer at Yas Clinic in Khalifa City.
The case is seen as a significant success for the UAE’s advanced healthcare capabilities, and a testament to the power of cross-border medical collaboration and compassionate care.