UAE Champions Comprehensive Strategy Against Rare Diseases At MENA Congress

Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, highlighted the UAE’s dedication to public health and medical advancement during his opening speech at the MENA Congress for Rare Diseases in Abu Dhabi. He stated, "Under the leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, we, in the UAE, are committed to preventing disease, as well as treating it and caring for patients with empathy and compassion."

The four-day event features 141 speakers, including 51 international experts from 27 countries. The congress is organised in partnership with Burjeel Medical City (BMC), a key facility of Burjeel Holdings. It includes 41 sessions covering recent research, advancements in diagnostics and therapeutics, regional experiences, and challenges related to rare diseases.

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Sheikh Nahyan stressed the significance of partnerships between various sectors and regional and international cooperation to tackle rare diseases. He remarked, "We need an effective regional strategy where combating rare diseases is a national and regional health priority. Such a strategy must be focused and comprehensive: superior medical personnel and first-rate health facilities are essential components."

He also emphasised the need to increase public awareness about these diseases and educate patients on how to live with them. "Physicians are on the front line of the fight against rare diseases and must embrace patient education as a key part of their role," he added.

Sheikh Nahyan praised BMC for its leadership in the medical sector by hosting the congress. He noted that the launch of their project NADER demonstrates their commitment to excelling in treating rare diseases. He also acknowledged the Department of Health - Abu Dhabi’s support in expanding healthcare capabilities.

Professor Ayman El-Hattab, the congress chairman, and Professor Khaled Musallam, Group Chief Research Officer of Burjeel Holdings, briefed Sheikh Nahyan on the congress agenda.

Commitment to Research

Dr. Shamsheer Vayalil, Founder and Chairman of Burjeel Holdings, stated, "In the UAE and under the leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, we have become more aware of the optimal strategy to handle rare disorders." He highlighted BMC’s Center for Research on Rare Blood Disorders (CR-RBD), which has contributed significantly to understanding rare hematologic conditions through global clinical trials.

Rare diseases affect at least 5% of the population, with a higher prevalence in the MENA region. The congress agenda aims to be comprehensive and inclusive of most rare disorders, focusing on unmet needs and potential solutions through best clinical practices and research.

The event has drawn over 1,100 attendees from 38 countries, including physicians, students, researchers, representatives of laboratories, pharmaceutical companies, healthcare institutions, patients, and their families.

With inputs from WAM