In its 1st edition (2011-2013) , Sultan Bin Khalifa International Thalassemia Award announced that H.H. Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Deputy Ruler of Dubai, UAE Minister of Finance and President of Dubai Health Authority is named as the  Personality of the Year.

 

This came during the press conference held yesterday at the palace of H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, Advisor to the UAE President and the Patron of the Award, in Abou Dhabi, to announce the winners whose contributions have helped in reducing the spread of Thalassemia.

 

During the press conference, it was announced that honoring H.H. Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum comes in recognition of his significant efforts in supporting the local, regional and international healthcare sectors, particularly improving the lives of patients with Thalassemia.

 

Hamdan Medical Award is one of the main achievements of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan. Through the Award, he supports the scientific research in the medical field, and then improves the treatment ways of the disease. In 1989, H.H. Sheikh Hamdan gave his directives to establish the specialized Thalassemia treatment center, the 1st center of its kind in the region and the Middle East, besides building the largest Thalassemia Center in the Arab Region in 1995, which is known as the “Genetic and Thalassemia Center”. Also, H.H. Sheikh Hamdan is keen on improving the educational and awareness strategies against the disease in Dubai, which have contributed to reduce its rates in the UAE.

 

It is worthy to mention that Sultan Bin Khalifa International Thalassemia Award includes 6 international and 14 local categories for doctors, nurses, researchers, students, Thalassemia institutions, patients, social networks and sponsors.