H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, UAE Minister of Finance and President of Dubai Health Authority has been crowned the “Personality of the Year Award” by the Sheikh Sultan bin Khalifa International Thalassemia Award, in its 1st term 2011-2013. In a big ceremony held at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan Bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, Advisor to H.H. the President of the UAE and the patron of the Award, delivered the trophy to Sheikh Rashid Bin Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, on behalf of his father.

Within his speech, H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan said that the Award is so proud to honor H.H. Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the “Personality of the Year”, in recognition of his outstanding and important contributions in improving the lives of patients with Thalassemia in the UAE. The Award is a non- profit organization dedicated to honoring individuals and institutions who have made great efforts to improve the lives of patients with Thalassemia and with other blood diseases locally, regionally and internationally.

On the other hand, Sheikh Sultan bin Khalifa International Thalassemia Award has issued the winners book in which a full chapter is devoted for H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid and his efforts in supporting the health sector within the UAE, particularly Thalassemia.

“Being the Chairman of Dubai Health Authority, His Highness Sheikh Hamdan has evinced a great interest in developing the health sector, particularly investing mammoth efforts in combating numerous chronic disorders in the UAE. These efforts led to quantitative and qualitative leaps forward in all health sectors in the country which was applauded by specialists around the globe”, the book highlighted.

“Thalassemia has always been one of the top priorities of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, because of the enormous life-long suffering it brings to patients, and the burden it imposes on the individual patient, and his/her family and community. Undoubtedly, Thalassemia is a roadblock in the way of national development. Through the Dubai Health Authority, His Highness established important and all-inclusive healthcare principles aimed towards individuals, families, and the entire community. One of these principles is the care for Thalassemic patients on various levels, such as raising awareness, prevention, diagnosis and treatment. In 1987, His Highness directed the establishment of a Thalassemia clinic and the blood transfusion unit at Al Wasl Hospital (now known as Latifa Hospital). In 1995, under the kind sponsorship of His Highness, a new building was constructed for the Thalassemia and Genetic Diseases Centre. This Centre is made up of three departments: Daily Care Department (Blood Transfusion), Outpatient Department and Social and Recreational Services Department. It organizes and carries out the required programs for the reduction of Thalassemia in the region”, the book highlighted.

The book dealt with the keenness of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan on subjecting the work in the Thalassemia Centre to a comprehensive working system by which the centre provides its services free of charge to all. Along with the treatment of the patients with all kinds of inherited hemoglobinopathies, the centre provides social, psychological and educational support to the patients and their families in order to assist them in confronting the difficulties and challenges of this life-long disease. His Highness’ continuous interest and support for the centre over the years has enabled it to become the largest Joint Commission International-accredited centre dedicated to Thalassemia in the Middle East.

Also, the book referred to Hamdan Medical Award through which His Highness Sheikh Hamdan was able to augment the fight against Thalassemia by his generous support to scientific research on this disease. This has contributed to a better understanding of this disease in the UAE. The results of these research activities have contributed to developing the work of the Thalassemia Centre and they supported many decisions taken by health authorities and institutions to control Thalassemia. Collectively, these efforts have resulted in lowering the incidence rate of this disease in the UAE.