A national campaign in the Emirates to revive… "World Multiple Sclerosis Day"

Abu Dhabi, 30 May / WAM / The National Multiple Sclerosis Society launched a national campaign to commemorate World Multiple Sclerosis Day, which falls on May 30 of each year, through a series of awareness events and initiatives implemented throughout the Emirates with the aim of establishing community awareness of the disease and enhancing support provided to those living with it.

The campaign – which this year bears the slogan “My Diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis – Together We Explore Multiple Sclerosis” – includes awareness programs and activities extending across health care facilities, workplaces and community spaces, in addition to launching practical resources and organizing awareness sessions and initiatives that encourage open dialogue about the disease and convey the experiences of those living with it, which contribute to facilitating access to reliable information and enhancing practical support after diagnosis.

Her Excellency Dr. Fatima Al Kaabi, Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, stressed that living with multiple sclerosis represents a shared societal responsibility that requires the solidarity of families, caregivers and supporting institutions, noting that commemorating World Multiple Sclerosis Day for four consecutive years reflects the growing national awareness of the importance of supporting those living with the disease and enhancing society’s understanding of their challenges and needs.

She said that the campaign brings together health institutions, institutional partners, and the community within a unified framework that aims to expand access to available practical resources, and establish a more comprehensive and supportive environment for people living with multiple sclerosis in various parts of the country.

Within the framework of the campaign, the association launched 3 applied and practical resources based on real-life experiences of people living with multiple sclerosis, to support them in the various stages of the disease and strengthen the daily support system, including the “Talk about your diagnosis: Conversation guide,” which provides practical advice and exercises that help individuals manage diagnosis-related discussions with family, friends, and co-workers with confidence and effectiveness.

The association also launched a guide dedicated to caregivers that includes practical information and guidance to support people living with multiple sclerosis and other chronic diseases, in addition to a human resources guide that aims to enhance understanding of the health condition and provide more comprehensive work environments that are compatible with the needs of people living with the disease.

The Employer’s Guide is endorsed by The Butterfly Organization, a social organization specialized in supporting, empowering and representing people of determination in Abu Dhabi, and includes practical guidance on facilitating access and making possible adjustments in the work environment to support people living with multiple sclerosis and other people of determination and enhance their chances of professional success.

These resources are part of broader awareness efforts being implemented in more than 30 healthcare facilities and partner networks nationwide, with the aim of introducing multiple sclerosis support resources and facilitating access to them in health and community institutions.

The association will host a virtual symposium on June 5, which will review practical strategies to enhance mental and physical health, in addition to highlighting ongoing research in the UAE aimed at supporting people living with multiple sclerosis and their families.

The symposium brings together experts in the fields of nutrition, mental health, and research to discuss the reality of living with disease and the importance of building integrated and sustainable support systems.

The campaign’s activities extend to public places through the café initiative under the slogan “Reaching Impact,” with the participation of more than 30 cafés in various parts of the country over the course of May 30 and 31, with the aim of enhancing awareness of multiple sclerosis and encouraging community dialogue about it, while it includes lighting a number of prominent landmarks in the country as an expression of solidarity with those living with the disease.

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