Friday, February 7, 2025

National MS Society Introduces First MS Treatment Guidelines in the UAE

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  • The guidelines have been published in the Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders (MSARD) medical journal.
  • The guidelines ensure that treatment plans are more effective, ensuring that patients receive early treatment with the most appropriate medication.
  • They can facilitate early initiation of emerging treatments and ensure that insurance coverage follows an evidence-based treatment sequence driven by data rather than costs.

Abu Dhabi: The National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS) has launched the first national guidelines for the treatment of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) patients in the UAE. Developed by a dedicated scientific task force comprising members of the Society’s Medical Advisory Committee, these guidelines aim to provide the best medical support for people living with MS in the UAE.

The treatment guidelines were formulated after an in-depth study of the best available global evidence,  considering the unique characteristics of the MS community in the UAE, wide variations of health coverage and patient preferences. The overall goal is to ensure that the most appropriate treatments are provided to the largest number of MS patients in the UAE while addressing data gaps which could impact health insurance coverage for people with MS. This medical resource also includes guidance on treatment choices during pregnancy and lactation, as well as pediatric MS, which can support treatment of a wider population.

Her Excellency Dr. Fatima Al Kaabi, Vice Chair of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS), said: “The MS treatment guidelines are based on the best global evidence currently available and bring a lot of hope for people newly diagnosed with MS and those living with the condition. These guidelines, the first in the UAE, include detailed guidance for physicians on MS-modifying therapies and aim to help doctors determine the most appropriate treatment course for the largest number of patients, thus contributing to improved care for people with MS. The guidelines will enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of treatments by reducing side effects and improving the accuracy of prescriptions.

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“Developing the MS treatment guidelines is a pioneering effort and their deployment by healthcare authorities will expedite their utilization by specialists nationwide. These guidelines shed light on recent treatment trends, such as using stem cells when patients do not respond to MS-modifying therapies. They will be constantly reviewed and updated to reflect the latest medical research and clinical breakthroughs.”

NMSS has developed the MS treatment guidelines through a strategic and collaborative approach involving various health authorities in the UAE. They were used to formulate the Dubai Health Authority’s Multiple Sclerosis Ejadah Program. Several prominent neurologists from all Emirates reviewed the guidelines.

Dr. Ahmed Shatila, Consultant Neurologist at Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City and Chair of the Medical Advisory Committee of the National MS Society who led the MS Guidelines task force, said: “The development of the MS treatment guidelines by NMSS marks a significant step forward in the UAE’s healthcare landscape. With the support of leading neurologists, our Medical Advisory Committee has worked tirelessly to ensure these guidelines reflect the latest global advancements in MS care. We are proud of this collaborative effort, which will greatly enhance the quality of treatment for MS patients in the UAE.”

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The MS treatment guidelines have been published in the Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders journal,  an international journal supported by key researchers from all neuroscience domains that focus on MS and associated conditions.

In parallel with the release of these guidelines, NMSS recently introduced the first MS Helpline in the UAE to further enhance the support ecosystem for the MS community.  The initiative was designed to provide people living with MS with direct access to essential resources, referrals, and guidance on clinics with MS specialists, enabling them to navigate their care journey with confidence. Accessible by dialing 800 677, the helpline is available from 10am to 10pm, seven days a week.

About the National Multiple Sclerosis Society

Established in 2022 under the Ministry of Community Empowerment (formerly the Ministry of Community Development), the National Multiple Sclerosis Society is a UAE-based NGO created to better the lives of people living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and their communities in the UAE through education, advocacy and advancing global efforts to finding a cure for MS.

The National MS Society is governed by a board of trustees, advised by a local and international Strategic Advisory Committee and Medical Advisory Committee, and supported by MS ambassadors and volunteers. Together, they ensure that people living with MS have access to high quality care and get the guidance they need through reliable resources.

The National MS Society works with leading national medical institutions and renowned global partners to build a trusted network of healthcare providers and support organizations. The society aims to raise awareness of MS, create a holistic ecosystem for the MS community in the UAE, and provide support and resources for individuals affected by MS.

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