International Diabetes Federation 'Year of the Diabetic Foot' key topic at 1st Middle East Wound Congress

Wound healing and tissue viability were the main focus for the congress, which was tailored for healthcare professionals with an active interest in wound management. The first congress featured presentations from over ten regional and international experts and shared best practice of key advancements in wound care treatment.

The congress aimed at surgeons, wound care managers, nurses, podiatrists and diabetologists, shed light on key topics such as wound classifications, management of diabetic foot ulcers in the UAE and the role of VAC therapy for the treatment of complex wounds in the UAE. The highlight for the congress was a presentation on "Diabetic Foot 2005- Research Update", by Andrew J.M.Boulton, as 2005 was dedicated by the International Diabetes Federation as the year of the diabetic foot.

The congress featured presentations from internationally renowned speakers such as Dr.Mark Hill, Plastic Surgery Consultant at the Sheikh Khalifa Medical Center-Abu Dhabi, Dr.Stephan Landis, Head-Division of Internal Medicine, Sheikh Khalifa Medical Center, Andrew J.M.Boulton, Professor of Medicine, Manchester Royal Infirmary, Dr. Stephen Morbach, Senior Physician-Soest-Germany, Dr. Khalid Edrees, Podiatric Surgeon, King Faisal Specialist Hospital-KSA and Dr. Patricia Abu Rumman, Head of Podiatric services, Hamad Medical Corporation-Doha.

Dr Stephen Landis, Head, Division of Internal Medicine, Sheikh Khalifa Medical Center-Abu Dhabi said, "This congress aims to educate and upgrade the skills in order to best serve patients and it is one of the first opportunities for people interested in wound care in the region to meet and have productive discussions. We recognise that the problem of wounds in a large diabetic population has been a neglected area and this meeting serves us with the opportunity to move forward and recognise what needs to be achieved to make wound care better in the region."

Diabetic foot ulcers pose a great burden on both the patient and the healthcare system particularly in the UAE, where nearly 25 percent of the local population suffers from diabetes. The combination of nerve damage and insufficient blood supply in the legs and feet of people with diabetes often leads to painful ulcers, infection and gangrene which can ultimately result in amputation and even death.

The congress highlighted a multi-factorial approach necessary in diagnosing and treating these patients. Insufficient interaction between the different levels of care, as well as inconsistent adherence to standards of treatment, were highlighted as key issues which result in such high numbers of poorly managed patients with diabetic foot lesions.

John Hassett, Exhibitions Director- Healthcare Division, IIR Middle East said, "The congress programme has been tailored to meet the needs of professionals interested in wound care with an emphasis on providing relevant information useful in clinical practice. It aims to bring together wound management practitioners from across the globe while also keeping abreast of latest developments within the region."

The congress was sponsored by Johnson & Johnson Middle East and KCI in association with Dubai Healthcare City, the UAE Ministry of Health and the Department of Health and Medical Services in the UAE.