Sidra Medicine, part of Qatar Foundation, successfully administered a lifesaving gene therapy to Malkha Rouhi, a baby diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), thanks to the generous fundraising efforts of the local community.
Dr. Tawfeg Ben-Omran, Chief of Genetic and Genomic Medicine at Sidra, praised the collaboration among healthcare institutions, Qatar Charity, and the community, highlighting the treatment as a new chance for children with severe genetic conditions. Sidra Medicine is the only hospital in Qatar equipped to provide this groundbreaking SMA therapy, which significantly improves the quality of life for affected patients.
Dr. Khalid Ibrahim, Senior Pediatric Neurologist at Sidra, expressed pride in administering Malkha’s infusion, noting the advancements in precision medicine and the hospital’s established SMA management program that has treated nearly 50 babies from across the Middle East since 2022.
Malkha’s parents, Risal Abdul Rasheed and Nihala Nizam, expressed immense gratitude for the support they received from Qatar Charity and the medical team at Sidra, emphasizing the community’s role in their journey. They were able to raise funds quickly for the treatment.
Malkha received Zolgensma, a lifesaving drug by Novartis, making Sidra Medicine the lead treatment center in the MENA region for this medication. Her successful treatment underscores Sidra Medicine’s leadership in pediatric care for genetic diseases and its commitment to providing top-quality healthcare in Qatar.
