Abu Dhabi launches new platform for MS patients – News

Most people with the disease first develop symptoms between the ages of 20 and 40

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS) has been launched in Abu Dhabi to improve the quality of life of those affected by this unpredictable disease.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease of the central nervous system that disrupts the flow of information between the brain and the body and within the brain. Worldwide, it is estimated that more than 2.8 million people are living with incurable multiple sclerosis.

Around 2,000 people in the UAE will be diagnosed with MS by 2022, although that number is thought to be more than double that. Speaking at the launch, senior officials said the new association is investing in the establishment of a national MS registry to better understand the prevalence of the disease in the country.

“The vision of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS) is derived from that of our founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who believed strongly in the importance of supporting the health and well-being of citizens, including protecting them from affected by disease. His vision has been and continues to be translated into effective policy, appropriate planning and continued awareness of society’s needs so that future generations can enjoy all aspects of life, physical, spiritual and social, so that everyone can Realize their full potential in society,” said Sheikh Theab bin Mohamed bin Zayed.

NMSS is an NGO under the Ministry of Community Development that aims to raise awareness about MS, create a holistic ecosystem for the UAE community, provide resources to those affected, and support the global search for a cure for the disease.

“Today we celebrate the launch of the UAE National Multiple Sclerosis Society; a society that seeks to make a real difference in the lives of people with multiple sclerosis and to support them as we work together to find better treatments and ultimately a cure. The main goals of the association are Empowering and supporting people with MS to live their fullest lives and raising community awareness and efforts to create a world free of MS.”

Mansour Ibrahim Al Mansouri, chairman of the Abu Dhabi Department of Health, noted that working with medical associations such as the NMSS will allow health authorities to improve the well-being of patients.

“Because of the impact MS has on our community, Abu Dhabi’s healthcare sector is investing in advanced technology and medical research to strengthen MS management, even setting up dedicated MS clinics and rehabilitation centers. The launch of the UAE’s first MS registry is pivotal One step further, it will help researchers and doctors across the UAE provide advanced and personalized levels of care to members of our community.”

Dr. Fatima Al Kaabi, Vice-Chairman of the Board of Directors of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and Executive Director of the Bone Marrow Transplant Program at the Abu Dhabi Stem Cell Center (ADSCC), announced several new initiatives led by the Society, including an upcoming pilot project with Abu Dhabi Health Ministry of Public Health, Abu Dhabi Center for Public Health and G42 developed a national MS registry to track the number of MS patients and the progression of the disease in the UAE.

The partnership has made it possible to integrate new MS information into the Malaffi web application to support people living with the disease and raise awareness.

Dr Al Kaabi highlighted the launch of a supportive research grant worth AED 2 million, which will support local and international researchers seeking to comprehensively advance innovative treatments and better understand the characteristics of this disease, which particularly affects Emiratis.

Dr. Al Kaabi pointed to the launch of MS Circles, moderated conferences for people with MS to discuss key topics surrounding MS with the aim of building a wider and larger MS community with a deeper understanding of key issues for better support and ensure relevant changes.

She highlighted the need for innovative treatments for MS and highlighted the progress made by local partners, including Abu Dhabi Stem Cell Center’s breakthrough in autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (AHSCT) and bone marrow transplantation for MS patients, This is the first program of its kind to take place in the region.

“Every person with MS deserves the best possible care to live a fulfilling and fulfilling life. As we progress to build an ecosystem of support across the UAE, NMSS will be an important partner in realizing this vision. What we do Everything will be based on the experiences of people with MS – we will listen to them and learn from them.”

Although people of any age can be diagnosed with MS, most people with MS first develop symptoms between the ages of 20 and 40. Symptoms include numbness, tingling, mood changes, memory problems, pain, fatigue, blindness and/or paralysis.

More women than men are diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, and a person’s chances of developing the disease are also influenced by their genetics, where they live, and their ethnicity.

Although MS is relatively rare, the unpredictable and often disabling nature of the disease can present a range of physical, emotional and mental health challenges for those affected. Early diagnosis and treatment of MS improves long-term health and well-being and reduces the number of relapses people experience. Local authorities are focusing on raising awareness and reducing stigma about the disease.

For more information, visit https://www.nationalmssociety.ae.