• The Society has announced MS Strong, a health and wellbeing partnership programme aimed at keeping those affected by Multiple Sclerosis as active as possible, given individual conditions
• Alongside MS Strong will be an ongoing webinar series called New to MS, which will provide critical medical expertise and advice to those who have recently been diagnosed across the region

Abu Dhabi, UAE, 23 May 2023: Since the official launch of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS) in Abu Dhabi last month, the organisation has been making great strides towards providing targeted support to the UAE community who are affected by the autoimmune disease.

After considerable consultation and committee discussions with the community, including leadership, medical professionals, those living with MS, and their families and friends, two new initiatives will commence this month in the lead-up to World MS Day, which falls on 30 May.

MS Strong offers complimentary health and wellbeing classes for those directly affected by MS, as well as friends and family members. As the symptoms of MS vary greatly, the classes have been carefully curated with various exercise options to accommodate the vast range of physical movement abilities attendees might have including those who might need to participate from a seated position and are wheelchair friendly.

The first session was hosted on 9 May at Chapters Fitness and Soul on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi. The class was dedicated to aerobic activities, as studies of aerobic exercise undertaken by those living with MS show improved cardiovascular fitness, strength, bladder and bowel function, fatigue, moods, cognitive function, bone density, and flexibility. Classes will be bookable online at www.nationalmssociety.ae. 

New to MS will offer online access to some of the country’s most knowledgeable medical professionals who specialise in Multiple Sclerosis for those who have been newly diagnosed. Following extensive consultation with the community, the time of diagnosis can be both overwhelming and challenging in terms of finding the latest medical advice and navigating the large variety of symptoms which can occur in the currently incurable disease. 
The online seminars will offer access to leading medical professionals across several fields, in both English and Arabic, and be open to those based not only in the UAE, but in the wider region, too. The sessions will also include advice from a key figure within the local MS Community and someone who has been living with MS to provide any practical tips alongside the latest medical guidance.

Speaking about the efforts of the Society in the run-up to World MS Day, Her Excellency Dr. Fatima Al Kaabi, vice chair of the NMSS and executive director of the Bone Marrow Transplant Programme at the Abu Dhabi Stem Cells Centre (ADSCC) said, “This month is a particularly significant month for the global awareness of Multiple Sclerosis and the first time that the UAE will be participating in the global occasion. We are taking this opportunity to launch two milestone initiatives. These initiatives have been created after several rounds of consultation with the MS community – including medical experts – and we are delighted to be able to launch these ongoing programmes to support those directly affected by MS.”

“With assistance from experts through our New to MS programme, we will be able to offer support in the initial stages of diagnosis, which can often be overwhelming and daunting. The New to MS programme was also be accessible to those based throughout the region– opening up conversations and showing support to the wider global community. With MS Strong, we are partnering with health and wellbeing facilities across the country to offer complimentary classes, specifically tailored for individuals living with MS to establish an appropriate level of activity to ease symptoms associated with physical activity and reap other cardio-based benefits. Details of how to join both initiatives and other activities such as MS Walk UAE which is happening on 27 May at Yas Mall can be found on our website and social channels,” Her Excellency continued.

Established as an NGO under the Ministry of Community Development, NMSS was founded to deliver support programmes, improve healthcare services, and provide a community for people affected by MS across the UAE, while also advancing local and global research efforts in pursuit of better treatments and a cure for the disease.

Studies show that MS affects more than 2.8 million people, globally. In the UAE, 2,000 people have been diagnosed with the disease, however, the actual number of people living with MS is thought to be more than double this, which is why the Department of Health, Abu Dhabi and the Society are focused on raising awareness across the country. The early diagnosis and treatment of MS improves long-term health and wellbeing and can reduce the number of relapses people experience.

Multiple Sclerosis is a neurological disease that disrupts the flow of information within the brain, and between the brain and body. MS typically affects young adults and can cause a range of symptoms including numbness, tingling, mood changes, memory problems, pain, fatigue, blindness and/or paralysis. 

In line with international trends, women in the UAE are three times more likely to develop MS than men, and people with MS are typically diagnosed in young adulthood between ages 20-40. While MS is relatively rare, the unpredictable and often disabling nature of the disease can cause a range of physical, emotional, and mental health challenges for those affected.