First rheumatoid arthritis support program launched in Abu Dhabi

The three-week program will consist of three individual sessions, (on February 21, 28 and March 7), each covering a different topic, and will take place at Le Royal Meridien Hotel, Abu Dhabi. A bilingial nurse will be present for all three sessions to answer queries from the audience. The support program is supported by the Dubai Bone and Joint Center and sponsored by Wyeth Pharmaceuticals.

'Our aim at the Emirates Arthritis Foundation is to educate and improve awareness of arthritis across the United Arab Emirates,' explained Kathryn Ronalds, occupational therapist and coordinator of the Emirates Arthritis Foundation. 'With this program, we hope to provide patients in Abu Dhabi with a chance to learn new information and skills, discuss new ideas and share experiences about various issues affecting their lives.'

The first session, scheduled at 7:00 pm on February twenty first, will include an introduction as well as a general discussion on arthritis, followed by a talk by a local physiotherapist. Topics for discussion will also include: managing daily activities, fighting fatigue, and dealing with the emotional impact of arthritis.

The Abu Dhabi support group is but one in a series of EAF initiatives aiming to reach out to people in the community. 'I am glad that patients in Abu Dhabi can now benefit from this self-management program,' said Dr. Mustafa Al Izzi, Consultant Rheumatologist, Mafraq Hospital, Abu Dhabi. 'Understanding exactly how the disease affects the body can help patients make the necessary changes, small as they may be, to minimize the degree to which it affects their lives,' he added.

The Emirates Arthritis Foundation was launched in April 2006 under the patronage of Her Royal Highness 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. The mandate of the Emirates Arthritis Foundation is to increase awareness and education about arthritis in the region. Its goal is to improve the quality of life for people with arthritis through leadership training, in the prevention, control and cure of the disease.