MEAF hosts community event to mark World Arthritis Day in the UAE

The Middle East Arthritis Foundation (MEAF) hosted a public community event on Friday (Oct.11) at the Shangri-La Hotel, Dubai, to mark the World Arthritis Day 2019. The event was organised with a goal to help arthritis patients and their caregivers manage their lifestyles including careers despite the chronic disease.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Humeira Badsha, Founding Member of the Middle East Arthritis Foundation, said: “Our goal is to educate, support and motivate patients of arthritis and their families, and we hope to do that through annual events such as these. Too many people today believe that it is impossible to lead a normal life with arthritis, but we want to show patients and their families that with the right nutrition, lifestyle changes and medical treatment, it is indeed possible. We want to empower patients to take control of their lives.”

The volunteers of the event organised by the Middle East Arthritis Foundation at the Shangri-La Hotel, Dubai.

The event was attended by a large number of patients and their caregivers from across the UAE, where they received practical tips and medical advice. The day-long event included various activities including Tai Chi session, Managing your Daily life/Career with Arthritis talk, occupational therapy session, dance and movement as well as meditation practice, physiotherapy session, cooking and eating healthy talk and much more.

The highlight of the event was the Circles of Sharing Session where arthritis patients could exchange their experience and got professional advice from doctors. Attendees shared their stories of the courage and determination that had helped them fulfil their daily duties, hold a job, raise families, study and more.

Sanria Khan, an active member of the Middle East Arthritis Foundation, commented: “There is a tendency for patients suffering from arthritis to feel like they are alone and that their lives have changed beyond all recognition. This can really dampen their spirit. Therefore, events such as these are a great way to boost their morale, show them that they are not alone and guide their families on the best way to support them. With proper care and treatment, it is definitely possible to lead a productive and fulfilling life.”

In its quest to combat arthritis, MEAF is actively supported by businesses in the UAE such as Novartis, AbbVie, Pfizer, Eli Lilly, Janssen, Newbridge, Apparel and other brands. Beyond its ongoing research in clinical treatments, MEAF is committed to improving the lives of people living with arthritis through real-world data collection, support for caregivers and patients as well as awareness programmes.