Al Jalila Foundation has helped 1.6 million people since 2013

Relying solely on donors the Dubai-based philanthropic organisation has helped people from 129 countries and in the UAE.

DUBAI // Al Jalila Foundation has invested Dh59 million in medical treatment, research and education programmes to help 1.6 million people since its founding in 2013.

The Dubai charity has helped people from 129 countries, providing 55 research grants and six fellowships to advance research into cancer, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, obesity and mental health.

Since its founding, 58 Emiratis have received scholarships in a variety of medical specialties in the UAE and abroad.

Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed, chairman of the foundation, said the plan was to develop home-grown talent.

“By championing home grown solutions to overcome tomorrow’s health challenges, we aim to make the UAE the global backbone of medical progress and innovation,” he said.

The foundation has also funded treatment for more than 270 patients suffering from cancer, heart disease, limb deformities, hearing disabilities and a range of other illnesses.

It has also provided life-changing initiatives such as providing a 3-D printed hand to a young Emirati girl born with a limb abnormality.

Al Jalila has formed a partnership with Unicef to provide more than a million vaccines across 15 countries, and helped 5,625 families in 35 nations gain access to clean drinking water and sanitation.

The foundation linked up with Sentebale in Lesotho to start the Mamohato Children’s Centre to support vulnerable children, including orphans, living with HIV and other disabilities.

Dr Abdulkareem Al Olama, chief executive, said donors were the backbone of Al Jalila’s efforts.

“Our success depends on the support we receive from our donors, strategic partners and the wider community,” Dr Al Olama said.