Experts urge the society to build a conducive and inclusive environment for patients on World MS Day

• Around 43% of people with MS had stopped working within three years of diagnosis. This figure rose to 70% after ten years. 
• The overall MS (Multiple Sclerosis) prevalence in the Arabian Gulf region is 31-55 MS cases per 100,000 in the whole population. 
• The prevalence rate of MS in UAE is 54.77 per 100,000 in the whole population, with the mean age of onset at 26.6 years. 

Dubai, UAE, 28 May 2017:  Marking World MS Day observed on 31 May every year, renowned experts in UAE have come together to garner the support of medical associations, government and the public at large to advocate for a more inclusive, conducive and supportive environment for people living with MS. The aim is to remove barriers and create opportunities for MS patients, so that they can live independently and participate equally in community and workplace opportunities.

“Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disease that affects the nervous system. It is seldom fatal and life expectancy is shortened by only a few months. But life with MS can be difficult. Each day brings new challenges, which needs new solutions. Multiple sclerosis concerns about prognosis center primarily on the quality of life and prospects for disability. Most patients and physicians harbor an unfounded view of MS as a relentlessly progressive, inevitably disabling disease. The truth is that, there are different severities of the condition. Many patients with MS go through life without any persistent disability, and suffer only intermittent, transient episodes of symptoms, ” said Dr. Jihad Inshasi, Consultant Neurologist at Rashid Hospital, Dubai Health Authority.

“For me, living with MS is all about not giving up. Working closely with my doctor and the use of new treatments has helped a lot. A once yearly drug therapy has especially been very effective for me. Overall, there is lack of understanding about the disease in the region. Often people who have been diagnosed with MS do not adhere to their treatment, and stop their medication, as the symptoms are not persistent. The financial burden can be high, as not everyone has access to medication. Along with help from family and friends, having the right support from healthcare institutions and the government can ensure that people with MS live a more fulfilling life,” expressed Mr. Sameer Barood, who is living with the condition in UAE.

“While currently, there is no cure for MS, there are a number of treatments that can help control the condition. More importantly, there is a need to raise awareness about the physical and emotional impact of multiple sclerosis (MS) on everyday life. Many of the changes required to enable people with MS to stay in employment, such as adaptations in the workplace or improved access to treatments, are achievable through better understanding of the challenges that they face,” added Dr. Jihad Inshasi.

There is a vital need to set up patient registries across the Middle East to have a strong foundation for clinical research. Local governments need to increase their commitment to MS research through increased funding and support of medical research facilities. Further, the formulation of clear therapeutic guidelines by regional MS experts, collaborative associations and improvement of data on previously studied areas can help bring about a progressive change in approaches to managing MS.

“At Sanofi Genzyme, our extensive experience has shown us that fostering truly personalized medicine is crucial for efficiently treating disorders like MS. Unfortunately the prevalence of this disease has increased in the region , and our efforts are directed towards addressing the situation. We can deliver this by strengthening the framework which supports patients, caregivers, healthcare providers, medical associations and patient support groups. Encouraging stronger conversations among communities can help in better management of the disease. We have no doubt that the only way forward is to understand the experiences, challenges and even achievements of those affected by MS,” said Jean Paul Scheuer, Country Chair and General Manager, Sanofi Gulf.

The increase in disease prevalence in various MENA countries might be due to the western lifestyle changes in these countries. Smoking, sun protection products, low vitamin D levels, and environmental factors such as air pollution might be possible reasons.