Nahyan bin Mubarak praises partnership between UAEGDA and Bourn Hall Clinic

Abu Dhabi (WAM): H.H. Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Culture, Youth and Community Development president of UAE Genetic Diseases Association (UAEGDA) has welcomed and attended the signing of partnership between UAEGDA and Bourn Hall, where the world's first IVF baby was born. Among others present were Dr. Maryam Mattar - founder and chairman of board - UAEGDA, Adel Al Zarooni - Board Member of Bourn Hall International, Bruno Rosset - founder of Bourn Hall Dubai and director of commercial operations and Dr. David Robertson - group medical director - Bourn Hall Dubai. Sheikh Nahyan said, "This is a welcome initiative that will give less fortunate couples a chance to realise their dreams of starting a family. Importantly it will also spread awareness about genetically transmitted diseases." Bourn Hall was the first clinic in the world to successfully have an IVF baby and Professor Robert Edwards, co-founder of Bourn Hall Clinic UK, received a Nobel Prize for Medicine for his achievements in December 2010. Bourn Hall, in its bid to increase awareness about prevention of genetically transmitted diseases, has teamed up with UAEGDA. Bourn Hall will provide 20 per cent discount to patients from UAEGDA for IVF treatment. So a procedure that would usually cost Dh37,000 will only cost Dh29,600 to UAEGDA - referred patient. The preliminary check-up meanwhile will cost Dh15,000 instead of Dh20,000. Furthermore, every year Bourn Hall will provide 5 free IVFs to 5 needy couples with financial constraints and referred by UAEGDA. Bourn Hall will also sponsor the first winner/ doctor from the 5th annual UAEGDA conference, due to be held by end of September, 2014 to be sent to Bourn Hall UK for further training and development for two weeks. Bruno Rosset - Founder of Bourn Hall Dubai and director of commercial operations said, "We are happy to support the UAEGDA. Prevention of genetically transmitted diseases can only come from awareness and this is what we are doing with this partnership. We hope to give childless couples a chance at having their own children." – Emirates News Agency, WAM