The Department of Health, Government of Abu Dhabi organized an international conference for 'Initiatives on Organ and Tissue Donation and Transplantation' on November 7 - 9, 2022 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre. 

At the inaugural ceremony, H.E. Abdulla Al Hamed, Chairman, Department of Health - Abu Dhabi (DoH) launched 'Hayat' (meaning Life), the National Programme for Organ Donation and Transplantation and became the first to register as an organ donor. In recognition of their selfless giving and contribution, donors' families and organ recipients were honoured during the conference. MOHAN Foundation was one among many organizations which was recognised for its contribution over the past 25 years. Mrs Lalitha Raghuram, Country Director accepted the award on behalf of the organization.

In light of the global organ shortage, Dr Ali Al Obaidli, Chairman, National Transplant Committee, UAE said that the initiative emphasized the importance of raising community awareness. More than 200 faculty and delegates from Middle East and North Africa attended the conference.

It was a hybrid conference with sessions highlighting the work done in the Middle East and neighbouring countries. There were scientific sessions on brain death determination and organ and tissue transplants including lung, liver, paired kidney transplant and cornea.

During the conference, emphasis was placed on education and capacity building, promotion, cross border transfers and establishment of national systems. Over 20 inspiring stories of organ recipients, donors, and their families in honour of their contributions to saving lives were highlighted during the conference.

Expert talks given by the MOHAN Foundation were 'Role of non-governmental organizations in capacity building - Experience from India' by Dr Sunil Shroff, Managing Trustee and ‘Professional education opportunities in India’ by Mrs Lalitha Raghuram. An information desk was set by the MOHAN Foundation to talk about professional training opportunities and awareness initiatives in India.