During a press conference held today, Thursday, at the headquarters of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs, the association was represented by the following individuals: Waheeda Abdul Aziz, President of the Friends of Arthritis Patients; Iman Rashid, Director of the Health Promotion Department; Dr. Suad Hanawi, Vice President of the Friends of Arthritis Patients; Maysoun Al Shaer, Head of the Public Health Programs Support Department from the Representative Office of the Ministry of Health and Community Protection; Alia Al Souqi, Head of the Media Department from the Commerce and Tourism Development Authority; Dr. Ayman Al Masry, Rheumatology and Osteoarthritis Specialist from the French Medical Center; Aseel Alloush from Axios Company; along with several members and volunteers from the association, and a group of media representatives.
The conference encompassed the presentation of the World Arthritis Day initiatives and activities. Notable highlights comprised the convening of the second Rheumatology Doctors Forum, the initiation of the Rheumatism Challenge, the orchestration of the Rheumatism Friends Carnival, the launch of the third edition of Arthritis Friendly Schools, the facilitation of medical examinations in private institutions and entities in the Emirate of Sharjah, and the dissemination of awareness messages by rheumatologists. Furthermore, arrangements were devised for the coordination of the Walk for Your Bone Health event in collaboration with the World Walking Day and the Scientific Week.
Waheeda Abdul Aziz welcomed the attendees and emphasised that the launch of these awareness initiatives and programs reflects FOAP's commitment to improving the quality of life for arthritis patients and increasing health awareness about the disease, its treatment, and prevention methods. This effort aims to contribute to the goals of the We the Emirates Vision 2031, which aims to place the country among the top 10 countries in the world in terms of healthcare quality.
She said: “The directives and visions of the wife of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah, Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs in Sharjah, have always been the roadmap for our work and the main pillar for the success of all the initiatives we launch to promote awareness and healthcare, especially with regard to chronic diseases such as arthritis. Since the beginning of this year, we have launched many health programmes that have been crowned with success, and the association has provided treatment for 13 cases, providing financial support amounting to about 70 thousand dirhams. Today, the association continues this journey to announce the launch of a group of initiatives, health programmes, sports activities and many other awareness workshops and forums aimed at raising the level of health awareness and improving the physical and psychological health of arthritis patients, expressing her thanks and appreciation to all strategic partners for their continuous support to the association in order to make its initiatives successful.”
During the conference, a cooperation agreement was signed between the Friends of Arthritis Patients Association and the French Medical Center in Sharjah. The agreement aims to provide support to patients, including the completion of a cooperation agreement with Axios Company. This agreement is designed to offer patients access to medicines and appropriate treatment free of charge, improve the health services provided to them, and ensure continuous access to treatment.
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