The UAE has pledged $35 million to the Children's National Hospital in Washington to bolster prenatal, neonatal and maternal health services, it was announced on Friday.
The major investment will serve to strengthen a long-standing philanthropic partnership. Each year 100 Emirati families travel to Children’s National for paediatric care and a range of life-saving treatments.
This further financial support comes after President Sheikh Mohamed toured the medical facility as part of his landmark visit to the US. He met Emirati children receiving treatment and their families and wished them a speedy recovery during his recent visit.
The funds will be used to boost various strategic health initiatives, including within the hospital’s Centre for Prenatal, Neonatal and Maternal Health Research and the Zickler Family Prenatal Paediatrics Institute.
“Children in the Washington DC area and across the world benefit greatly from the breakthroughs that have emerged from the incredible decades-long partnership between the UAE and Children’s National,” said Michelle Riley-Brown, president and chief executive of the hospital.
“I am deeply grateful for the UAE’s most recent gift. The contribution will positively impact children and families and support the teams of researchers and specialists who dedicate their lives to developing innovative medical care.”
Changing lives
The UAE has contributed $150 million to support the Children’s National Hospital in Washington over the years, establishing the Sheikh Zayed Institute for Paediatric Surgical Innovation, and $30 million to establish the Research and Innovation Complex.
“The lives and health of countless children and families in the Washington area, in the UAE and around the world have been transformed by our partnership,” said Yousef Al Otaiba, UAE ambassador to the US.
“Our continued support promises even more breakthrough innovations in paediatric medicine.”
Hamad Alnuaimi, whose son is being treated at the Children’s National Hospital, hailed the care provided. “Having our child treated at Children's National means accessing specialised paediatric care from a renowned institution dedicated to children's health,” he said,
“It provides us with confidence and reassurance that our son is receiving the best possible medical attention from experts who understand and prioritise the unique needs of children. For the UAE to have a strong relationship with Children's National signifies a valuable connection that enhances paediatric health care in our country.”