- Mohamed Al Awadhi: Reaching more than 100 treated cases of SMA reflects Dubai Health’s commitment to making world-class care accessible to all children.
- SMA therapy was first administered at the hospital in 2020 to a five-month-old patient.
Dubai, UAE: Al Jalila Children’s Hospital, part of Dubai Health, and the only children’s hospital in the UAE, has completed over 100 treatments for patients with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), with the first administered to a five-month-old patient in 2020. The latest recipient, Syrian child Yaqeen Ibrahim Kanaker received treatment supported by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai.
The treatment involved a one-time intravenous infusion of Zolgensma. Administered at Al Jalila Children’s Hospital’s specialized infusion unit, the therapy was completed within an hour. Post-treatment, the patient will undergo a short observation period followed by regular outpatient visits over the next few months to monitor progress and ensure optimal outcomes.
Dr. Mohamed Al Awadhi, Executive Director of the Dubai Health Women and Children’s Campus, said: “Reaching more than 100 treated cases of SMA reflects Dubai Health’s commitment to making world-class care accessible to all children. At Al Jalila Children’s Hospital, we follow an integrated, patient-centered approach that supports every phase of the treatment journey. Every step is managed with precision and compassion to put the patient first. Yaqeen’s case highlights the strength of our multidisciplinary model and our commitment to ensuring that children with complex conditions like SMA receive the highest standard of care under one roof.”
Dr. Haitham Elbashir, Consultant Pediatric Neurorehabilitation at Al Jalila Children’s Hospital, said: “Zolgensma is a transformative therapy that offers children with SMA the chance to regain strength and function early in life. In Yaqeen’s case, the treatment is being delivered through a carefully coordinated, multi-specialty care plan. Our team will continue to monitor her closely in the weeks and months ahead to ensure the best possible outcome. Every case is unique, and our approach is always tailored to each child’s specific needs.”
The completion of over 100 SMA treatments at Al Jalila Children’s reflects the strength of Dubai Health’s specialized pediatric services and its commitment to delivering high-quality care for children with complex medical needs.
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