Latest news with #FatimaAlKaabi


Gulf Today
2 days ago
- Health
- Gulf Today
Erth Zayed Philanthropies donates Dhs25m to NMSS
The National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS) has signed a strategic agreement with Erth Zayed Philanthropies to advance its national multiple sclerosis (MS) agenda. As part of this agreement, Erth Zayed Philanthropies will contribute Dhs25 million to support NMSS in delivering its core priorities, including advancing UAE's first National Coalition for MS, a multi-sector platform to improve care, research, and inclusion across the country. The agreement was signed by Dr. Fatima Al Kaabi, Vice Chair of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, and a representative from Erth Zayed Philanthropies during a formal ceremony in Abu Dhabi. The announcement of this strategic agreement coincides with World MS Day, marked this year under the global theme 'My MS Diagnosis: Navigating MS Together,' which highlights the importance of early detection and community support. This year, Erth Zayed Philanthropies joins the National Coalition for MS as a founding partner, marking a pivotal step in the UAE's efforts to advance equitable MS care and inclusion. This strategic partnership reinforces the UAE's commitment to enhancing MS care, accelerating research, and advancing equity, catalysing broader multi-sector engagement to shape a more inclusive and transformative national response. Coalition members include Sanofi, Axios International, PureHealth and Manzil Healthcare Services, each playing a vital role in advancing care, awareness, and system-wide impact. Dr. Fatima Al Kaabi said, 'The establishment of the National Coalition for MS is a defining step in our mission to drive equitable access to MS care. This work is inspired by the legacy of our Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, whose vision was rooted in dignity, inclusion, and access to quality care for all. It is sustained by the leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, whose commitment continues to shape the future of health and reinforce the UAE's position as a global leader in innovative, people-centered healthcare.' 'On World MS Day, we are proud to join the international community, not only in raising awareness, but in taking meaningful, coordinated action that has the potential to transform outcomes for people living with MS. Today, we are laying the foundations for long-term impact rooted in compassion, powered by collaboration, and guided by a shared responsibility to ensure that every member of our community has the opportunity to live a full and dignified life.' WAM


Al Etihad
4 days ago
- Health
- Al Etihad
NMSS, Erth Zayed Philanthropies sign Dh25 million grant agreement to mark "World MS Day"
30 May 2025 18:10 ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)The National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS) has signed a strategic agreement with Erth Zayed Philanthropies to advance its national multiple sclerosis (MS) agenda. As part of this agreement, Erth Zayed Philanthropies will contribute Dh 25 million to support NMSS in delivering its core priorities, including advancing UAE's first National Coalition for MS, a multi-sector platform to improve care, research, and inclusion across the agreement was signed by Dr. Fatima Al Kaabi, Vice Chair of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, and a representative from Erth Zayed Philanthropies during a formal ceremony in Abu announcement of this strategic agreement coincides with World MS Day, marked this year under the global theme 'My MS Diagnosis: Navigating MS Together,' which highlights the importance of early detection and community year, Erth Zayed Philanthropies joins the National Coalition for MS as a founding partner, marking a pivotal step in the UAE's efforts to advance equitable MS care and inclusion. This strategic partnership reinforces the UAE's commitment to enhancing MS care, accelerating research, and advancing equity, catalyzing broader multi-sector engagement to shape a more inclusive and transformative national response. Coalition members include Sanofi, Axios International, PureHealth and Manzil Healthcare Services, each playing a vital role in advancing care, awareness, and system-wide Fatima Al Kaabi, Vice Chair of NMSS, said: 'The establishment of the National Coalition for MS is a defining step in our mission to drive equitable access to MS care." She added, "This work is inspired by the legacy of our late Founding Father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, whose vision was rooted in dignity, inclusion, and access to quality care for all. It is sustained by the leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, whose commitment continues to shape the future of health and reinforce the UAE's position as a global leader in innovative, people-centred healthcare."She stated: 'On World MS Day, we are proud to join the international community, not only in raising awareness, but in taking meaningful, coordinated action that has the potential to transform outcomes for people living with MS. Today, we are laying the foundations for long-term impact rooted in compassion, powered by collaboration, and guided by a shared responsibility to ensure that every member of our community has the opportunity to live a full and dignified life.'The grant from Erth Zayed Philanthropies aims to directly support NMSS in delivering on its key priorities and enabling the National Coalition for MS to address the most pressing challenges faced by people living with MS in the the National Coalition for MS was convened by NMSS to bring together government entities, healthcare providers, insurance and pharmaceutical companies, and educational institutions under a unified national agenda for MS. The Coalition's priorities for 2025-2026 are focused on improving access to patient support resources, promoting inclusive workplace policies, strengthening the skills of healthcare professionals through specialised training, increasing public understanding of MS to enable earlier diagnosis, and ensuring long-term sustainability through coordinated fundraising and investment in priorities form an action-oriented framework designed to mobilise resources, strengthen inclusion across sectors, and ensure that the UAE is a world leader in MS care. As the Coalition moves into its implementation phase, its priorities will continue to be shaped by the voices and experiences of the MS community, ensuring that their needs, priorities, and aspirations drive every step of the in shared responsibility and measurable impact, the Coalition's members are onboarded to lead or contribute to key initiatives, with defined commitments that span one to two years depending on the scope of Coalition's priorities reflect a commitment to evidence-based solutions. Since its establishment, NMSS has invested Dh 6.5 million in MS research, with the next NMSS research grant cycle set to launch on June 23, 2025. As the Coalition transitions into its implementation phase, NMSS continues to call on stakeholders across sectors, from policymakers and healthcare institutions to academic bodies and donors, to join this pivotal movement. Source: Aletihad - Abu Dhabi


Al Etihad
19-05-2025
- Health
- Al Etihad
National Multiple Sclerosis Society reveals 2024-2025 research grant recipients, driving innovation in care and treatment
19 May 2025 11:15 ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)The National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS) has awarded Dh4 million in research grants to six UAE-based projects that are designed to accelerate progress in the understanding, diagnosis, and treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS), marking a major milestone in its second research grant awarded projects were announced at an event held in Abu Dhabi, attended by key partners, researchers, and representatives from the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH).The announcement follows the release of the NMSS 2023–2024 Research Impact Report, and reflects the growing momentum behind MS research and advocacy efforts in the year's funding has doubled compared to the inaugural cycle, reflecting NMSS's strengthened commitment to advancing MS research. The grant cycle attracted 46 applications, including submissions developed in collaboration with 15 international and regional partners, representing a nearly fourfold increase compared to the first cycle, and demonstrating the UAE's strengthened leadership in MS research. The research grants have been awarded to leading institutions in the country, including Khalifa University for three projects, namely 'Investigating Genetic and Epigenetic Associations with Familial MS', 'Self-Energy Harvesting Sensors for Enhanced Monitoring of MS (SENSE-MS)', and 'Enhancing Myelination in MS through Targeted Electric Field Stimulation'; University of Sharjah for ' Development and Evaluation of Augmented Reality-Based Dual-Task Training to Enhance Cognitive and Motor Function in People with MS'; Mohammed Bin Rashid School Of Government for 'Assessing Geographic and Socioeconomic Disparities in Access to Disease-Modifying Therapies for MS Patients in the UAE'; and Mohamed Bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence for 'NMSS-LLM: The World's First Large Language Model for MS'. Dr Fatima Al Kaabi, Vice Chair of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, said, "The success of the second grant cycle reflects NMSS's commitment to championing innovation across the UAE's growing research ecosystem. The remarkable growth in both the number and caliber of applications we received this year is a testament to the country's expanding scientific capabilities and its vision to become a global hub for healthcare and research excellence. Developed in collaboration with DoH, the programme aligns with national priorities and is driven by the UAE leadership's vision to strengthen the UAE's position as a leader in healthcare innovation.""Each of these projects represent meaningful progress towards our long-term vision of improving quality of life for people living with MS, both locally and globally, and achieving breakthroughs in MS care. The programme is driven by NMSS's commitment to driving transformative research that translates hope into real-world breakthroughs, from earlier diagnosis and improved treatment options to new pathways toward a cure," she Asma Al Mannaei, Executive Director of the Health Life Sciences Sector at the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH), said, "At the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, we are deeply committed to advancing the future of MS care through strategic collaboration and shared purpose. Our partnership with the National Multiple Sclerosis Society reflects a unified vision to elevate research, improve patient outcomes, and build a resilient ecosystem for neurological health in the UAE. Together, we aim to drive innovation, shape evidence-based policies, and inspire meaningful progress in the lives of those affected by MS." NMSS continues to invest in future talent through initiatives, such as the joint NMSS MENACTRIMS Fellowship, which offers a postdoctoral research fellowship for young Emirati neuroscientists, supporting their training and development in basic, clinical, or applied MS research. The goal of the programme is to foster scientific exchange and grow the pool of skilled researchers dedicated to addressing MS-related challenges in the UAE and beyond. Source: Aletihad - Abu Dhabi


Hi Dubai
17-04-2025
- Health
- Hi Dubai
UAE Becomes Second Country to Approve Guselkumab for Crohn's Disease Treatment
The Emirates Drug Establishment (EDE) has approved new indications for Guselkumab, marking the UAE as only the second country globally to authorise its use in treating Crohn's disease. This move significantly expands treatment options for patients with chronic inflammatory bowel disorders, particularly those unresponsive to current therapies. Guselkumab has shown strong clinical results in managing symptoms and improving outcomes for individuals living with inflammatory bowel disease. Dr. Fatima Al Kaabi, Director-General of the EDE, said the decision reflects the UAE's proactive healthcare strategy. 'With new indications for Guselkumab being approved, we see the impact of the UAE's forward-looking policies in accelerating access to innovative therapies and enhancing pharmaceutical security,' she stated. The approval stems from a rigorous evaluation of global clinical data, confirming Guselkumab's potential in tackling treatment-resistant Crohn's cases. It also aligns with the UAE's broader goal of ensuring rapid access to cutting-edge medical solutions through precision-driven regulatory processes and global partnerships. 'Our fast-track framework, supported by advanced technologies and strong collaboration with international pharmaceutical companies, has helped streamline reviews without compromising safety or efficacy,' Al Kaabi added. This milestone further underscores the UAE's role as a regional and global leader in healthcare innovation. The EDE's commitment to modernising regulatory systems ensures that patients across the country have timely access to the latest treatments, reinforcing the nation's position as a trusted hub for advanced medical solutions. News Source: Emirates News Agency


Al Etihad
16-04-2025
- Health
- Al Etihad
UAE approves new indications for 'Guselkumab' to treat patients with Crohn's disease
16 Apr 2025 18:21 ABU DHABI (WAM)The Emirates Drug Establishment (EDE) has approved new indications for Guselkumab, making the UAE the second country globally to authorise the treatment for Crohn's is set to improve treatment opportunities for patients across the UAE and the wider region. As a significant addition to the therapeutic options available for chronic inflammatory bowel disorders, the drug has demonstrated efficacy in managing treatment-resistant a comprehensive review of clinical data, Guselkumab has shown promising results in alleviating symptoms and improving outcomes for individuals living with inflammatory bowel approval is part of the UAE's commitment to providing the latest medical treatments and their applications, as well as fostering innovation in healthcare, which allows patients to access advanced treatments that better meet their health opens the door to a novel treatment option for patients suffering from autoimmune disorders, particularly those with Crohn's disease, an inflammatory bowel condition that can be difficult to treat. It will also support the UAE's efforts to fast-track access to innovative treatments, while also strengthening international collaboration in healthcare, and ensuring the sustainable availability of medical products at competitive Fatima Al Kaabi, Director-General of the Emirates Drug Establishment, stressed that the UAE is committed to ensuring the availability of the latest treatment solutions for patients.'With new indications for Guselkumab being approved, we can see the impact of the UAE's proactive policies in strengthening pharmaceutical security and accelerating access to innovative therapies. After carefully reviewing clinical data, we found strong evidence that this treatment is effective for patients who haven't responded to existing options, making it an important step forward in broadening available therapies,' Al Kaabi added, 'The drug approval process at the Emirates Drug Establishment is defined by precision and thoroughness, utilising advanced technologies and streamlined procedures to enable fast, accurate reviews and informed decision-making. This achievement is a testament to our team's dedication and expertise, as well as to our commitment to realising the UAE leadership's vision of positioning the UAE as a top hub for global pharmaceutical companies."Dr. Fatima Al Kaabi highlighted that this achievement is the result of strong, trusted partnerships between the Emirates Drug Establishment and leading global pharmaceutical companies and health authorities. "These collaborations have played a vital role in streamlining regulatory procedures and accelerating access to innovative medicines. They also reaffirm the UAE government's commitment to delivering advanced treatments to the community through a modern, globally competitive healthcare system.'Dr. Al Kaabi further explained that the Establishment has successfully built a comprehensive and forward-looking regulatory framework for pharmaceutical and medical products. This system is underpinned by a robust pharmaceutical security strategy and the Fast Track mechanism. This integrated approach has enabled the expedited introduction of innovative therapies to patients, without compromising safety or efficacy. She concluded by affirming that the establishment will continue to upgrade its regulatory processes to ensure patients have timely access to the best available treatments, with Guselkumab standing out as a clear example of the UAE's capacity to stay ahead of global medical advancements, reinforcing its status as a regional and international hub for advanced healthcare solutions.