NEWS
Under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Khalifa bin Sultan bin Hamdan Al Nahyan
New UAE IBD SOCIETY launched for those living with Inflammatory Bowel disease
Sheikh Khalifa bin Sultan bin Hamdan Al Nahyan
U
nder the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Khalifa bin Sultan bin Hamdan Al Nahyan, Dr Maryam Al Khatry, Gastroenterologist and Head of Department at IBHO Hospital and former President of the Emirates Gastroenterology and Hepatology Society, is proud to announce the formal launch of the UAE IBD Society. The society has been established under the supervision of Ministry of Community Development to help improve the lives of people living with this disease. IBD (inflammatory bowel disease) is a broader term used to describe conditions that cause inflammation of the digestive system, with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis being the two most common forms. It can be a debilitating condition, for which there is currently no cure. Whilst it is not known exactly how many people in the UAE suffer from IBD, it is thought to be between 2-4% of the population, with the onset occurring most commonly in adolescents and young adults aged 20-30.1 The society was founded by Dr Al Khatry, who has worked for many years with IBD patients and has seen first-hand how the condition affects all aspects of daily life, not only for patients, but also for their loved ones. Moved by the lack of support available to patients and the misunderstandings that exist around IBD, she pledged to formalise a group dedicated to supporting those affected by IBD and advocate for their needs.
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The society will offer an inclusive programme aimed at improving the quality of life for patients. Connecting people is crucial, and efforts will be aimed at empowering patients to share experiences and support one another so they don’t feel alone, whilst working with significant figures who can be an active voice for the community to advocate their needs. Addressing misunderstanding and stigma are also key objectives for the society and with the launch of the region’s first dedicated IBD patient website (www.IBDUAE. ae), the society will use education and awareness activities to elevate public understanding and empathy. As the exact number of people affected by IBD in the UAE is not fully understood, the society also aims to develop a UAE patient registry.
Dr Maryam Al Khatry Commenting on the launch of the society, H.H. Sheikh Khalifa bin Sultan bin Hamdan Al Nahyan said “Since the formation of the UAE in 1971, our great father HH Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan’s vision and leadership has invested in healthcare, recognising that the wealth of our nation is in the health of the people who live and work here. As a result, today, and under the great leadership of HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, president of the United Arab Emirates, we have developed a healthcare system of the highest international standards. Supporting our population and directly addressing their needs results in a healthier, happier community. Commenting on the launch of the society, Dr. Al Khatry said “Inspired by the achievements made by the sons of Zayed, we decided to contribute to making a difference for the people in the UAE who are affected by IBD. My aim was to create a community that is a welcoming, informative, and safe environment within which patients can talk comfortably about their condition. We want to encourage people to come forward, to actively seek advice, to share knowledge, and to ultimately support one another to achieve a better quality of life.” 1.
Centres for Disease Control and Prevention: Data and Statistics, Inflammatory Bowel Disease at https://www.cdc.gov/ibd/data-statistics.htm
