(MENAFN) Doctors at Burjeel Medical City in Abu Dhabi have saved the life of a nine-month-old baby girl who was suffering from acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, a type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow. Afeefa Zahra Muhammad Iqbal was diagnosed with the condition after she was taken to the hospital by her parents, Muhammad Iqbal and Batool Zahra, who have been residents of the UAE for the past 10 years.

The couple took their daughter to the hospital when she was just three months old after experiencing prolonged fever and a pale appearance.

Dr. Zainul Aabideen, an oncologist at Burjeel Medical City, explained that acute lymphoblastic leukaemia is one of the common cancers in children, but it needs to be treated aggressively.

After conducting an advanced genetic test, doctors found that a high risk of a genetic mutation was driving Afeefa's leukaemia. As per the international protocol, the only chance to cure her disease was through bone marrow transplantation, and her blood cells were a match with her eight-year-old sister, Nazia.

The surgery was a success, and Afeefa is currently recovering. Her parents expressed their gratitude to the medical staff for their support and the successful treatment of their daughter.

The case highlights the importance of early diagnosis and timely treatment of childhood cancer, as early intervention is crucial for a successful outcome.

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