Renovation for the Orphan Diseases and Gene Therapy Centre in Okhmatdyt Hospital

In 2022,Way of Herts Foundation began collaborating with the Okhmatdyt National Children’s Specialised Hospital – a unique medical complex that saves hundreds of children’slives every day by performing specialised surgeries and providing advanced treatments. Every doctor who saves lives is a hero, but paediatricians stand out in particular – after all, they are literally saving our future.

The Foundation joined an ambitious project to open the Centre for Orphan Diseases and Gene Therapy. Its goal is to significantly expand the capabilities and scope of early diagnosis of rarediseases for children across Ukraine.

The Centre was officially launched in March 2024, with the opening ceremony presided over by the head Orthodox Church of Ukraine.

What are orphan diseases?

These are rare diseases: according to  the Okhmatdyt statistics, one case occurs in approximately 2,000 people. The diseases arise due to DNA mutations, and therefore 80% of cases are congenital.35% of children diagnosed with these diseases die within their first year of life. A further 30% don’t survive to the age of five. According to the National Health Service, over 1.8 million Ukrainians suffer from orphandiseases.

For now the diagnosis of such diseases in Ukraine is only possible at the Okhmatdyt Hospital. The life and health of a child depend on the speed of diagnosis and the immediate start of treatment.

How the centre works

Before its expansion and refurbishment, Orphan Diseases and Gene Therapy Centre had only two consultation rooms available for treating children.

However, over time its doctors have gained vast experience, which has been enhanced by continuous international training . The centre now employs modern treatment methods for more than 500diseases, including Gaucher’s disease, Pompe’s disease, Fabry’s disease and epidermolysis bullosa, better known as ‘butterfly syndrome’.

How the Foundation Helped

Way of Hearts Foundation made a major contribution in expanding the centre into a fully-fledged department in a separate building at the Okhmatdyt Hospital. The Foundation provided:

• Complete refurbishment of all premises in the expanded Centre
• Installation of new furniture
• The organisation of separate wards for patients with weakened immune systems
• Assistance with the equipment necessary for the centre’s operation

The Foundation’s team is proud of its collaboration with the Okhmatdyt hospital and will direct its resources towards providing all possible assistance in thereconstruction of the hospital buildings damaged by the Russian terrorist attack.