Did you know? One in 5 people in the UAE has arthritis

With arthritis affecting millions of people worldwide and one in five people in the UAE, it is imperative that preventative measures are taken, said the Middle East Arthritis Foundation (MEAF), a non-profit group striving to improve the quality of life for people with the musculoskeletal disease.

There are no UAE-specific statistics but numbers from the Gulf region suggest that the prevalence is 20% of the population, according to MEAF. Moreover, the number of people aged over 50 years is expected to double by 2020 and the burden of musculoskeletal diseases is also expected to rise. These conditions are a leading cause of absence from work, and account for 20% of health utilization costs.

The chronic disease does not only occur in the elderly;  children and teenagers are also susceptible, with the most severe forms occurring mostly in younger people, and the average age of onset between 40 and 60 years.

Rheumatoid arthritis, for instance, is a chronic inflammatory arthritis with a higher likelihood of permanent disability. Because the disease is commonly presumed to be a type of arthritis, awareness is lacking, causing problems with disability, clinical care, and research funding.  In the UAE alone, studies have shown a delay in diagnosis of 12 months due to lack of awareness of the disease. With early diagnosis, treatment deformity and disability can be prevented.

“It is vital that we listen to the constantly evolving needs of people living with arthritis and other chronic conditions to help reduce their pain and improve their quality of life. We are engaging with patients and their families to better understand their clinical, economic and social needs to help them progress on their healthcare journey and to continue to raise awareness of the treatment options available for them,” said Dr. Humeira Badsha,   MEAF founding member.

Arthritis affects a lot of people and early diagnosis is important for successful treatment. Contrary to popular belief, the chronic disease does not only occur in the elderly;  children and teenagers are also susceptible, with the most severe forms occurring mostly in younger people, and the average age of onset between 40 and 60 years.

 The MEAF has reaffirmed its support to people living with arthritis, as World Arthritis Day is fast approaching and will be recognized globally on October 12^th.

Concurrent with this year’s global theme – “Don’t Delay, Connect Today” – the foundation will host its annual UAE event for families and carers on Friday, October 13^th, 2017 at the Shangri-la hotel – Dubai to raise awareness of rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs) and to encourage physical activity among people in the community.

To mark the day, MEAF will host in Dubai a full day event for families, friends and carers of people living with arthritis. The event will be free of charge and will feature interactive sessions that include one with a life coach, and a demonstration of healthy Powwer jar, which encourages healthy eating.

Participants can take part in an active session with other people living with arthritis as well as have the opportunity to participate in a treasure hunt to win spa certificates and hotel vouchers amongst others.  People who attend can also avail of the opportunity to conduct a free ultrasound scan of hands to check for arthritis as well as a free bone density scan for osteoporosis and much more.

For more information visit www.arthritis.ae/wad or check the latest updates on the Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/EmiratesArthritisFoundation/.

The World Arthritis Day (WAD)  was established in 1996 by Arthritis and Rheumatism International.