Syrian child with rare genetic disease begins treatment at Al Jalila Hospital in Dubai

The family of Yaqeen Ibrahim Kanaker, a Syrian child, confirmed that she began treatment on Thursday at Al Jalila Children's Hospital, which is part of Dubai Healthcare City. This was a swift response to the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

Yaqeen's father told "Al Khaleej", "We started Yaqeen's treatment at Al Jalila Hospital, where we found that the entire medical staff were treating her with a high level of care. They are working to complete all the necessary assessments in preparation for the treatment plan."

He added, "His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum's humanitarian gesture will never be forgotten and will remain etched in our memories for as long as we live. This is not surprising given the UAE leadership's numerous urgent relief initiatives to assist those in need."

He further pointed out that His Highness has always supported and backed every person in need in the country, setting an example in the fields of charity and humanitarian giving.

Yaqeen's mother, whose little girl suffering from spinal muscular atrophy — a rare genetic disease requiring urgent treatment, expressed her happiness on the start of her daughter’s treatment at Al Jalila Hospital. She thanked His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum for his generosity and for taking a noble and humanitarian stance in supporting Yaqeen’s treatment. She also expressed her gratitude for the donation, saying that it reflects His Highness’s commitment to alleviating suffering and his boundless support for humanity. She added that his initiatives have had a profound impact on the lives of many people in the UAE and beyond.

With the support of friends, the Kanaker family launched a moving appeal through the International Charity Organisation. In a moving video, Yaqeen's uncle urged the UAE and Arab leaders to donate in order to save the child's life, emphasising that time is running out and treatment is urgent.

In 2021, Sheikh Mohammed undertook to provide for the medical treatment of an 18-month-old Iraqi girl suffering from spinal muscular atrophy. 

The girl’s mother had posted a video to Sheikh Mohammed, in which she asked him to provide for the treatment of her daughter in Al Jalila Hospital in Dubai.

She said that her child was suffering from a rare disease and muscle atrophy that may reach the bronchi and turn her into a doll. 

According to preliminary information, the treatment is one of the most expensive treatments in the world and its cost may reach Dhs8 million. 

Linking her appeal to Sheikh Mohammed to the Hope Probe, the mother said: “I arrived in the UAE when the Hope probe reached Mars. I hope that you can meet my need.” 

The generous Dubai Ruler has always stands up for humanitarian situation. 

In June 2020, Sheikh Mohammed covered the expenses of a surgery of an Indian child in Dubai.

Pritvik Sinhad, 15, who was suffering from kidney failure. 

Sheikh Mohammed sent a message to Pritvik.

He said, “To my dear Pritvik, this is a small gesture from me to you to remind you that you are here at home and that you are in safe hands, and I will pray to God to keep you in good health and safe… keep smiling little warrior.” 

The message was accompanied by a bouquet of flowers and a personal gift. 

Pritvik said that the gesture of Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid means a lot to him.