Latest news with #AutoimmuneAssociation
Al Etihad
10-05-2025
- Health
- Al Etihad
World Lupus Day: AIA empowers community through autoimmune awareness initiative
10 May 2025 08:47 SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)In observance of World Lupus Day on May 10, the Autoimmune Association (AIA) recently hosted a workshop aimed at raising awareness about autoimmune conditions and helping individuals recognise symptoms AIA partnered with the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment for the event that brought together specialists, media representatives, as well as ministry Eman Al Hashimi, Founder and President of BoD in AIA, presented an in-depth session exploring the nature of autoimmune diseases, their most common types, and the critical importance of early detection and innovative treatment strategies. She also addressed key contributing factors, such as genetic and environmental triggers, the role of lifestyle and nutrition, and the diseases' profound psychological and social impact on patients. Speaking to Aletihad on the sidelines of the event, Dr. Al Hashimi explained how raising awareness about lupus supports the broader mission of the AIA. "Raising awareness about lupus helps shine a light on the wider group of autoimmune diseases that are often misunderstood or misdiagnosed. It's not just about one disease — it is about changing how people view invisible illnesses, and that's at the core of AIA's mission.'The workshop aimed to equip the public with essential knowledge about autoimmune diseases, empowering them to make informed decisions when faced with these conditions or associated symptoms. 'With this workshop, I hoped we could break down the fear and confusion around autoimmune conditions, and help people recognize symptoms early. Early detection can make a huge difference in someone's quality of life,' Dr. Al Hashimi said. The event was supervised by Dr. Atheer Al Ansari, AIA's Chief Medical Consultant, who facilitated discussions and enriched the audience's understanding of comprehensive patient care workshop drew strong community engagement, reflecting growing public interest in autoimmune health and reinforcing the association's mission to bridge the gap between medicine and Al Hashimi emphasised the importance of involving the community in discussions around healthcare. 'Community outreach allows us to meet people where they are — it turns medical knowledge into something personal and accessible. Collaborating with partners like the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment amplifies that message and builds trust across different sectors of society.'
Al Etihad
09-05-2025
- Health
- Al Etihad
Autoimmune Association hosts awareness session on World Lupus Day
9 May 2025 21:02 SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)In celebration of World Lupus Day, annually marked on May 10, the Autoimmune Association (AIA) organised an awareness workshop in collaboration with the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment on Thursday, bringing together a distinguished audience of specialists, media representatives, as well as ministry is a chronic, autoimmune disease that can damage any part of the body — skin, joints, and/or organs inside the body, according to the World Lupus Day annual observance day aims to highlight the importance of raising awareness of lupus and the need for improved patient care and research into its causes and workshop was led by Dr. Eman Al-Hashmi, Founder and President of the Board of Directors of the AIA, who presented an in-depth session exploring the nature of autoimmune diseases, their most common types, and the critical importance of early detection and innovative treatment strategies. She also addressed key contributing factors such as genetic and environmental triggers, the role of lifestyle and nutrition, and the psychological and social impact on event was medically and scientifically supervised by Dr. Atheer Al-Ansari, AIA's Chief Medical Consultant, who facilitated specialised discussions and enriched the audience's understanding of comprehensive patient care a related initiative, Dr. Al-Hashmi also conducted a public awareness session during the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair, in partnership with The Sea of Culture workshop attracted strong community engagement, reflecting the growing public interest in autoimmune health and affirming the association's mission to bridge the gap between medicine and society, while enhancing quality of life across the to Aletihad on the sidelines of the event, Dr. Al-Hashmi explained how raising awareness about lupus supports the broader mission of the AIA."Raising awareness about lupus helps shine a light on the wider group of autoimmune diseases that are often misunderstood or misdiagnosed. It's not just about one disease — it is about changing how people view invisible illnesses, and that's at the core of AIA's mission.''With this workshop, I hope we could break down the fear and confusion around autoimmune conditions, and help people recognise symptoms early. Early detection can make a huge difference in someone's quality of life.'Dr. Al-Hashmi noted that community outreach allows stakeholders to meet people where they are — it turns medical knowledge into something personal and accessible. 'Collaborating with partners like the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment amplifies that message and builds trust across different sectors of society.'
Al Etihad
21-04-2025
- Health
- Al Etihad
Autoimmune Association comes into being, with focus on awareness, research and empowerment
22 Apr 2025 00:41 SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)In a significant medical and humanitarian achievement for the UAE, the Autoimmune Association (AIA) has officially launched with the aim of supporting patients, raising community awareness, and developing research and studies in this vital medical charitable and voluntary association, the first of its kind in the Arab world and the fourth globally, affirms the UAE's commitment to improving quality of life, especially in the Year of association was founded at the initiative of Dr. Eman Al Hashimi, Founder and Chairperson of the Board of Directors and an award-winning Emirati composer, and comprises 17 founding members, including doctors, researchers, writers, artists interested in improving the quality of life in the Emirati community. The association is sponsored by the Department of Community Development – Abu Dhabi, under the umbrella of the Ministry of Community Empowerment, and in cooperation with numerous government agencies across the a recent interview with the Aletihad, Dr. Al Hashimi said that offering creative outlets can enhance the emotional and psychological wellbeing of those affected by autoimmune conditions, ultimately improving their quality of life. Dr. Al Hashimi said she founded the AIA to provide support and education for individuals with autoimmune conditions, addressing challenges such as emotional toll and lack of understanding, which she personally of the core values of the AIA is to advocate for greater awareness and education about autoimmune diseases.'My experience has highlighted the urgent need for greater awareness and education about autoimmune diseases... my colleagues and I are driven to advocate for increased visibility and education, helping to break down misconceptions,' she Al Hashimi stressed that the AIA is committed to addressing challenges faced by people with autoimmune diseases, mainly difficulty in managing symptoms, lack of community support, and delays in diagnosis.'Individuals with autoimmune conditions encounter a variety of challenges that can significantly impact their daily lives. One of the most pressing issues is the complexity of managing their conditions, which often involves navigating a range of symptoms that can vary widely from day to day,' she added.'Our association is dedicated to addressing these challenges through a collaborative and human-centred approach. We focus on education and awareness campaigns to inform both the public and healthcare providers about autoimmune diseases, helping to foster a supportive environment," Dr. Al Hashimi said. She added that the AIA plans to integrate medical, artistic, and community-driven initiatives to raise public awareness of autoimmune diseases through workshops, events, and campaigns.
