The third and final session of the Arabic Arthritis Support Program, which was held over 3weeks, concluded yesterday with over 60 people in attendance. The meetings, which took place at the Movenpick Hotel, Dubai, were conducted by the Emirates Arthritis Foundation (EAF), and sponsored by Wyeth Pharmaceuticals.
“I have attended all three sessions of the program and found them to be extremely beneficial. I was surprised and delighted at the huge turnout. It makes such a big difference knowing there are others who face the same struggle, coming together to ask candid questions and learn about the latest developments in rheumatoid arthritis treatment,“ said one of the patients at the seminar.
The last two sessions, initiated by Ms. Rania Abu Yaghi, Operation Manager- Dubai Bone & Joint Center, covered a wide range of topics to help educate arthritis sufferers and their family members on different aspects of coping with the disease. Dr. Walid Al Shehi, Rheumatologist at the Royal Hospital discussed the different treatment options available for patients, while Ms. Rana Shehadeh a Dietitian from the Advanced Nutrition Center in Dubai Healthcare City, highlighted the proper diet for arthritis patients.
Also present at the meetings was Dr. Amer Saad Elddenesn, Psychiatrist who spoke on ‘The psychological support for arthritic individuals’ and, Ms. Reem Haj Ali, the Director of the Physiotherapy Department at the American Hospital Dubai, who stressed the importance of how and when arthritis sufferers should exercise. The sessions concluded with a 20min interactive Q&A segment from the rheumatologist’s panel headed by Dr. Ayman Mofti Rheumatologist at the American Hospital Dubai and Dr. Walid Al Shehi.
“We received enormous amounts of feedback from our last English sessions in Dubai and Abu Dhabi and we realized that many of the arthritis patients were contacting us requesting Arabic sessions.” said Dr. Cathy Leibman, Director of Operations, Emirates Arthritis Foundation. “After the response we received from the Arabic sessions, we are very much looking forward to running the same program in Abu Dhabi very soon. It is extremely reassuring and rewarding to know that we are on the right track, fulfilling a need that had not been met before,” she added.
The EAF was launched in April 2006 with the support of Dubai Bone & Joint Center, under the patronage of HRH Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein, wife of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
Apart from offering a wide variety of educational programs, support services, and health and screening initiatives, the foundation has also helped establish an endowment fund through fund raising events for those who cannot afford premium healthcare services.
Emirates Arthritis Foundation
The Emirates Arthritis Foundation (EAF), launched by the Dubai Bone & Joint center in April 2006 under the patronage of HRH Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein, wife of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai, is a patient advocacy establishment whose purpose is to increase awareness and education about arthritis in the region and improve the quality of life for arthritis patients through leadership in the prevention, control and cure of the disease.
Activities:
The EAF offers a wide variety of educational programs, support services, and health and screening initiatives that address a variety of musculoskeletal needs. The main activities focus on providing education on the prevention and treatment of arthritis, coordinating community programming and provider coordination. The foundation will also help establish an endowment fund for those who cannot afford premium healthcare services. The funds will be raised though educational grants from pharmaceutical company sponsorship, donations from businesses interested in supporting a charitable cause, as well as individual fundraising activities.
Financials:
The Emirates Arthritis Foundation will be effective stewards with all financial contributions. All accounts will be maintained in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles of not-for-profit organizations. The EAF will ensure that all donations, grants, and industry support will not create a conflict of interest with the organizations goals and mission.
Patients are advised to log on and register at www.arthritis.ae or call the Emirates Arthritis Foundation on 04 3300444.
About Wyeth:
Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, a division of Wyeth, has leading products in the areas of women's health care, cardiovascular disease, central nervous system, inflammation, transplantation, hemophilia, oncology, vaccines and nutritional products. Wyeth is one of the world's largest research-driven pharmaceutical and health care products companies. It is a leader in the discovery, development, manufacturing, and marketing of pharmaceuticals, vaccines, biotechnology products and nonprescription medicines that improve the quality of life for people worldwide. The Company's major divisions include Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, Wyeth Consumer Healthcare and Fort Dodge Animal Health.
