Latest news with #ECZPLORE
Gulf Today
12-07-2025
- Health
- Gulf Today
Dermatology campaign to focus on eczema prevention
A genetically-induced skin disease, commonest in boys and women shall be the centrepiece campaign of dermatologists in the UAE and a Saudi-Arabia-headquartered pharmaceutical firm, this academic year until July 2026. The partnership between the Emirates Dermatology Society (EDS) and the Jamjoom Pharma, which has branches in Dubai and Cairo, Egypt, was formalised with the July 4 signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in the capital, way ahead of the 'ECZPLORE' September launch. It is 'ECZPLORE' because the campaign is about eczema. EDS president Dr. Ayman Al Naeem told Gulf Today on Friday: 'Eczema has become one of the most pressing skin health issues in the UAE. It affects one in five children and often gets worse, because of the heat, the humidity and the air-conditioning; generally our climate.' Referring to the EDS data, when enquired regarding the youngest and oldest patients, the gender ratio, and the prevalence in the country's multi-racial landscape, Al Naeem said: 'The condition can appear as early as the first few weeks of life, although such an early onset is rare.' Rare too, it is, among septuagenarians and octogenarians who have been found to also be suffering from the disease, which counts 'environmental factors' namely 'allergens, climate, stress and irritants,' particularly those with 'family history and mutations in skin barrier genes like filaggrin,' a protein – a as a cause. These, as in the 'Atopic Dermatitis Insights on Global Prevalence, Health Care Implications and the Impact of COVID-19,' Kyung Hee University College of Medicine (Seoul, South Korea) medical student-researcher Jiyen Oh, noted that by 2050, global incidence would be at 148 million cases 'with minimal change in the prevalence rate.' The research was published in 'The Lancet Respiratory Medicine.' Oh studied the co-relation of eczema, otherwise known as Atopic Dermatitis, with asthma and COVID-19. Oh wrote that the skin disease shall have higher incidences in 'high-income countries likely influenced by environmental factors, urbanisation and better diagnostic capabilities.' Al Naeem pointed out that a campaign is crucial because 'beyond the skin, eczema affects how children sleep, play, learn and interact. For many families, it is a daily emotional and physical struggle.' Jamjoom Pharma-Gulf/Levant/Export Markets general manager Dr. Samer Lezzaiq said they are looking forward at partnerships with relevant authorities and educational institutions even as 'five major schools across the five largest cities in the UAE will be targeted.' 'This campaign is a national call to action designed to reach over one million individuals through digital platforms, schools and on-ground events,' Lezzaiq added, stressing that these are necessary; for, apart from the basic general knowledge, 'guidance on lifestyle modifications' are key to help patients and their households. 'Selection of the five major schools will be randomised. Primary targets are children between two and 12 years old,' said Lezzaiq. He answered in the negative when asked if secondary and tertiary educational institutions were included, as teenagers and young adults may be eczema sufferers as well: 'The age group most affected are the ages two and 12. Secondary schools, colleges, and universities fall outside of the current scope.' From Al Naeem: 'The highest prevalence is typically seen during childhood. In terms of gender distribution, it is more common in boys. This trend shifts in adulthood, with a higher prevalence observed in women.' He repeated Lezzaiq's mention of alterations in lifestyle, pointing out that while 'eczema is not fully preventable, its onset and flare-ups can be significantly reduced' through stress management, early treatment, avoiding triggers, and maintaining a healthy skin barrier with the use of breathable clothing and moisturisers to protect the skin barrier. Other highlights of the MoU, the signing of which was witnessed by EDS vice president Dr. Muna Al Murrawi and EDS-Scientific Committee head Dr. Fatima Albreiki: n The delivery of educational tools which include colouring books to help understand their condition while storybooks foster empathy and hope. n The delivery of lifestyle magazines and quick guides for families, caregivers and other support individuals to complete lifestyle modification among the patients. n The delivery of resources and other materials for healthcare professionals.
Syyaha
07-07-2025
- Health
- Syyaha
More Than Skin Deep: A New Partnership to Ease the Hidden Burden of Eczema in the UAE
Eczema, often dismissed as 'just a skin problem,' affects far more than the skin. For thousands of children in the UAE – and the families who care for them – it's a relentless battle of itching, poor sleep, emotional distress, and social isolation. Parents stay up through the night tending to their children's wounds, while children miss school, avoid friendships, and battle anxiety at a young age. This invisible epidemic is robbing too many families of comfort, confidence, and peace of response to this growing healthcare challenge, Jamjoom Pharma and the Emirates Dermatology Society (EDS) have signed today a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to launch 'ECZPLORE' —a pioneering awareness campaign aimed at changing the way eczema is understood, managed, and supported in the UAE.'Eczema is not just a rash—it's a chronic disease that affects the entire family,' said Dr. Ayman Al Naeem, President of the Emirates Dermatology Society. 'We believe that early education and empathetic support can change the daily reality for children living with eczema. Recent studies suggest that 1 in 5 children in the UAE suffer from eczema, with over half of moderate-to-severe cases remaining uncontrolled. The condition not only disrupts sleep and school life, but also doubles the likelihood of anxiety and depression in caregivers, highlighting the urgent need for broader public awareness.'The ECZPLORE program will roll out nationwide through schools, clinics, and digital channels. It includes child-friendly materials like coloring books and storybooks, adult-focused guides and magazines, and tailored support for healthcare professionals—all designed to help families better understand the condition and how to lead an 'eczema-friendly' life.'At Jamjoom Pharma, our purpose is to serve patient well-being through knowledge, care, and community support,' said Dr. Samer Lezzaiq, General Manager – Gulf, Levant & Export Markets at Jamjoom Pharma. 'Through ECZPLORE, we aim to break the silence around eczema, equip caregivers with real tools, and give children the confidence to live without shame.'The partnership also extends into fungal infection awareness, targeting both patients and professionals with actionable educational campaigns. Together, Jamjoom Pharma and EDS hope to drive a cultural shift in how chronic skin conditions are perceived and managed, transforming frustration into understanding—and silence into support.
