Dubai Healthcare City Supports British Heart Foundations Mending Broken Hearts Campaign in UAE

Saturday, Apr 23, 2011

Dubai Healthcare City (DHCC) a member of TECOM Investments Sciences Cluster, announced its support for the British Heart Foundation’s (BHF) ‘Mending Broken Hearts’ campaign at a reception held at the British Consulate in Dubai.

Dubai Healthcare City (DHCC) a member of TECOM Investments Sciences Cluster, announced its support for the British Heart Foundation’s (BHF) ‘Mending Broken Hearts’ campaign at a reception held at the British Consulate in Dubai.

The British Heart Foundation is commemorating its 50th anniversary this year to mark the incredible life-saving achievements it has made since 1961.  In celebration, the BHF has launched a major programme of regenerative medicine called ‘Mending Broken Hearts’. The British Consulate reception provided an opportunity to highlight the campaign and showcase artworks from some of the foremost contemporary artists in the UK who have produced themed original artworks in support of the campaign.

Dr. Abdulkareem Sultan Al Olama, Executive Director at Dubai Healthcare City, said: “Cardiovascular diseases are the number one cause of death globally. According to the World Health Organization, by 2030, almost 23.6 million people will die from cardiovascular diseases.

“As a city dedicated to healthcare, and in a country that has the second highest rate of diabetes in the world – a major risk factor for heart disease - DHCC is keen to support organizations such as the BHF that is leading pioneering medical research, education and public engagement to improve human health.”

Lance Trevellyan, Trustee of the British Heart Foundation, said: “We have funded some of the greatest breakthroughs in heart science thanks to public support. More babies born today with heart defects now survive, pacemakers help people control their heart conditions, and statins are lowering cholesterol levels for millions. Heart attack treatment has been revolutionized. BHF scientists believe that with adequate funding, cardiac research will reach a point, in as little as 10 years time, where mending a damaged heart, while serious, may be no more challenging than mending a broken leg.”

The Mending Broken Hearts Art Appeal has produced a portfolio of 15 original silkscreen prints in an edition size of 150 to support the campaign. The artists who have contributed to this wonderful collection include Sir Peter Blake, John Hoyland, Barbara Rae, Brendan Neiland, Maggi Hambling, Patrick Hughes and Tom Phillips.

Artist Brendan Neiland said: “Using contemporary art to raise awareness of the BHF is a brilliant idea.  It is an absolute step forward.  Artists use their creative freedom to respond to their own idea of ‘mending broken hearts’ and therefore bring endless possibilities to the table.  I am incredibly impressed by the breadth of vision and interpretation.”

As a leading centre for healthcare excellence, DHCC remains at the forefront in hosting and supporting regional and global initiatives that benefit the community in general.  Through various initiatives, the integrated healthcare free zone continues to reinforce its commitment to excellence in medical care, while raising awareness on ways to tackle various medical conditions in the region.