‘The Child Fund’: Dubai Health launches Dh50 million annual fund to treat 3,000 children a year

The announcement was made at Al Jalila Children’s Hospital in the presence of Dr. Raja Easa Saleh Al Gurg, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Al Jalila Foundation and Member of the Dubai Health Board; Dr. Amer Sharif, CEO of Dubai Health and President of Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences (MBRU), Dr. Amer Al Zarooni, CEO of Al Jalila Foundation, Dr. Abdulla Al Khayat, Director executive of Al Jalila Children’s Hospital, as well as a number of officials and major donors.

During his tour of Al Jalila Children’s Hospital, Sheikh Mansoor visited a group of young patients and received information about the hospital’s specialized services that underline its commitment to prioritizing child-friendly healthcare focused on quality and excellence.

Sheikh conveyed his gratitude to all donors and contributors who play a vital role in maintaining the highest standards of excellence within Dubai’s healthcare system.

Their collective efforts contribute significantly to providing the best forms of healthcare, particularly for children. This commitment aligns with the enduring values ​​of generosity and compassion that have consistently defined the people of the UAE and its society, she said.

Sheikh Mansoor added: “The launch of ‘The Child Fund’ underlines our strong dedication to ensuring comprehensive care for children, which is a primary focus within Dubai’s healthcare system.

“We consider it our fundamental responsibility to maintain the highest standards of care for them, as they symbolize the foundation of our future. “Through these community initiatives, we aim to expand support and provide treatment to as many children as possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling them to lead normal lives.”

‘The Child Fund’ will serve as a dedicated children’s charity program designed to raise funds to provide essential and life-saving medical support to children in need. Beyond being a beacon of hope for children and their families in the UAE, the initiative aims to cultivate a culture of generosity within the community, ensuring that each child receives the care they need to thrive.

Dr. Raja Al Gurg highlighted the role of Al Jalila Foundation in supporting Dubai Health’s philanthropic mission. She said: “For over a decade, Al Jalila Foundation has made a significant impact through its A’awen patient treatment programme, touching the lives of thousands of patients and their families in the UAE.”

He added: “With this new fund, we are committed to expanding the reach of our care and providing renewed hope for a brighter, more promising tomorrow for even more children. ‘The Child Fund’ reaffirms our sincere commitment to ensuring a healthy future for our children.

“Today we proudly recognize the unwavering dedication and generosity of our donors and supporters who, together, united by care and compassion, are lighting the path to healing young lives.”

Dr Abdulla Al Khayat said: “’The Children’s Fund’ goes beyond simply providing essential medical treatment to children in need – it is a ray of hope for families and their loved ones facing life-threatening illnesses. “Through this initiative, our dedicated team of doctors and physicians can extend life-saving care to those who cannot afford access to necessary treatments.”

“We are eternally grateful for the opportunities that ‘The Child Fund’ will provide our doctors and clinicians, aligning with Al Jalila Children’s unwavering dedication to excellence in the treatment of young patients. The Fund, which reflects our ‘Patient First’ promise, will enable us to expand care for children of all ages, empowering them to move towards a brighter tomorrow,” added Dr Al Khayat.

During the launch, ‘The Giving Wall’ was launched as a tribute to the donors and contributors who have impacted the lives of children through their support of the Al Jalila Foundation. They were invited to sign a pledge in support of the Dh50 million annual fund dedicated to providing essential healthcare to 3,000 children a year. Notable partners include the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Charitable and Humanitarian Establishment; Easa Saleh Al Gurg Charitable Foundation; Department of Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities; Awqaf Dubai; Albatha Holding; IFFCO; and Tarahum.

‘The Child Fund’ builds on Al Jalila Foundation’s impactful history of philanthropic achievements in supporting a series of healthcare programs in medical education, research and patient care that transform thousands of lives.

The Foundation has supported the medical treatment of more than 8,600 patients, including 30 percent of them children, suffering from life-threatening diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases and other chronic diseases, underscoring its continued commitment to transforming the lives of those in need in the community.