TV & radio stations across the GCC Unite to raise awareness of arthritis

The educational initiative led by Wyeth Pharmaceuticals involves a series of TV & radio interviews with leading rheumatologists from across the GCC. The objectives of the campaign are to highlight the different types of Arthritis along with the significant disease burden and its crippling effects on the quality of life of sufferers.

Every October 12th, people from around the world join efforts to celebrate World Arthritis Day. The theme for this years WAD is "small things matter", it focuses on the day-to-day challenges of the people that suffer from Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA).

World Arthritis Day aims to raise awareness of Arthritis through the education of healthcare professionals, sufferers and the general public. Additionally, it also aims to increase the number of arthritis support projects globally. By raising awareness of arthritis, WAD will help ensure that Arthritis sufferers know and have excess to available support networks.

"I strongly urge everyone to listen or watch the segment on arthritis because, in all its forms, arthritis is the most common misdiagnosed disease." says Dr. Mostafa Al Ezzi, Head of Rheumatology, Mafraq Hospital. "In most cases, people think they are suffering from a minor joint pain caused by an injury or a pulled muscle. In these instances, arthritis is discovered much later when damage to the joints is irreparable and years of treatment are lost."

Rheumatoid Arthritis is a chronic disease that affects around 0.5 - 1.0% of the population, and three times as many women as men. It is an inflammatory disease, in which the body's immune system attacks the joints, in the hands, knees, elbows, and ankles and the surrounding soft tissues, with potentially crippling consequences.

Other types of arthritis that will be discussed by Dr. Mostafa Al Ezzi are Osteoarthritis, Psoriatic arthritis, and Ankylosing Spondylitis.

"Some of the Arthritis diseases can produce crippling effects, leaving the patient feeling powerless and depressed. Simple everyday activities such as, opening a jar or holding a pen may seem impossible to the patient" adds Dr. Mostafa Al Ezzi. "World Arthritis Day is a great opportunity for doctors, healthcare professionals and the general public to voice their support for initiatives that help educate people on Arthritis."

UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman TV & radio stations are all participating in the initiative and will air a discussion on Arthritis. The discussion will entail general information on Arthritis, its symptoms, different types, causes and potential solutions to improve the quality of life of those suffering from arthritis in the GCC.