The announcement of ‘The Child Fund’ took place at Al Jalila Children’s Hospital, in the presence of Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed, Vice Chairman of the Dubai Health Board of Directors, who toured the hospital and met with young patients receiving treatment.
Dubai has initiated a groundbreaking Dh50 million fundraising campaign named ‘The Child Fund,’ aimed at delivering critical medical care to 3,000 children annually. This philanthropic endeavour, led by Dubai Health, a consortium of six hospitals, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Al Jalila Foundation, and various healthcare facilities, focuses on ensuring access to life-saving treatment at Al Jalila Children’s Hospital.
The announcement of ‘The Child Fund’ took place at Al Jalila Children’s Hospital, in the presence of Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed, Vice Chairman of the Dubai Health Board of Directors, who toured the hospital and met with young patients receiving treatment.
Sheikh Mansoor expressed the commitment to comprehensive care for children within Dubai’s health system, considering it a fundamental responsibility to uphold the highest standards of care for them. He emphasized the goal of extending support and delivering treatment to the largest number of children, ultimately enabling them to lead normal lives.
Dr. Raja Easa Saleh Al Gurg, Chairperson of Al Jalila Foundation’s Board of Directors and a Dubai Health Board Member, highlighted that ‘The Child Fund’ would help transform young lives and provide renewed hope for a brighter future for more children. The initiative reaffirms the commitment to securing a healthy future for children, recognizing the dedication and generosity of donors and supporters.
The annual charitable fund, amounting to Dh50 million, will be dedicated to providing essential medical treatment for 3,000 children every year at Al Jalila Children’s Hospital, the UAE’s first and only dedicated children’s hospital.
During the launch, a ‘Giving Wall’ was unveiled as a tribute to donors and contributors who have made a significant impact on young lives through their financial support of the Al Jalila Foundation. The non-profit healthcare organization has helped provide medical treatment to over 8,600 patients, including 30 per cent of children, battling life-threatening conditions such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, and other chronic illnesses.
Al Jalila Foundation, established in 2013 by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, plays a crucial role in overseeing the development of the country’s first charity hospital, the Hamdan bin Rashid Cancer Charity Hospital. The 250-bed cancer hospital, announced in April 2021, is set to offer free treatment to those in need and can potentially treat up to 30,000 people annually.
The foundation has already passed the halfway mark in its fundraising drive to secure Dh750 million for the charity hospital, having raised Dh390 million since the project was unveiled in August last year.
‘The Child Fund’ goes beyond providing essential medical treatment for children; it serves as a beacon of hope for families facing life-threatening illnesses. Dr Abdullah Al Khayat, CEO of Al Jalila Children’s Hospital, emphasized that the initiative reflects the hospital’s ‘Patient First’ promise and enables the extension of life-saving care to children who cannot afford access to necessary treatments.
The launch of ‘The Child Fund’ aligns with the enduring values of giving and compassion that have consistently defined the people of the UAE and its society. It cultivates a culture of giving within the community, ensuring that every child receives the care they need to thrive. This initiative is expected to have a profound impact on pediatric healthcare, contributing significantly to the ongoing transformation of lives in the UAE. The concerted efforts of Dubai Health, Al Jalila Foundation, and various contributors demonstrate a shared commitment to the well-being of children, marking a milestone in philanthropy within the region.