Iraqi boy begins life-changing Duchenne treatment at Al Jalila Hospital in Dubai

From inside Al Jalila Children’s Hospital in Dubai, Yousef Haider began his first steps in the journey of treatment for Duchenne muscular dystrophy, surrounded by the unbreakable heart of a mother and the hand of a father holding onto hope.

Al Khaleej was keen to visit and check on the child and complete the journey it had started with him, after benefactors responded to what the newspaper had published and raised Dhs10.6 million for his treatment in co-operation with Dar Al Ber Society.

From early morning, the scene told a story of unwavering support; it was not just a journey through the hospital corridors, but a hopeful and humane path, where the parents’ presence eased the child’s hardship and reassured him as he faced this cruel disease.

The disease is a neuromuscular disorder that leads to a gradual deterioration of muscle function due to a deficiency in the protein dystrophin, responsible for maintaining the integrity of muscle cells.

A view of Al Jalila Hospital in Dubai.

Without this protein, muscle fibers begin to gradually break down, causing increasing weakness that can lead to serious complications affecting the heart and respiratory system.

In response to this disease, a new treatment known as ELEVIDYS stands out. It is a one-time intravenous injection based on gene therapy technology, which delivers functional dystrophin genes to the patient’s cells, directing the body to produce this vital protein, thus strengthening muscles, slowing the progression of the disease and improving the quality of life of those affected.

Studies indicate that the disease primarily affects males and is very rare in females, with an estimated prevalence of one case per 3,500 to 5,000 male births worldwide. As the condition progresses, those affected gradually lose the ability to walk and the functions of the upper limbs, lungs and heart are impacted. The average life expectancy is approximately 30 years.

Dr. Mohammed Al Awadhi, Executive Director of Women and Children’s Campus at Dubai Health, said Al Jalila Children’s Hospital received the Iraqi child, Yousef Haider, on Monday, adding that he was currently undergoing a comprehensive medical evaluation that included a range of specialized tests.

In light of the results of these tests, an integrated treatment plan would be developed and designed specifically for his condition, which would contribute to achieving the best possible results and improving his quality of life.