Healthcare experts in the UAE are advocating for a shift from merely managing symptoms to enhancing the overall quality of life for patients with chronic immune-mediated diseases. This call to action emerged during a recent scientific gathering in Dubai, organized by Eli Lilly and Company, which celebrated a decade of advancements in immunology within the region.
During the event, healthcare specialists discussed the significant impact of conditions such as ankylosing spondylitis, psoriasis, dermatitis, Crohn’s disease, and ulcerative colitis. They emphasized that these diseases often disrupt not only physical health but also sleep, mobility, employment, education, and personal relationships. Dr. Muna Almurrawi, a Consultant Dermatologist, pointed out that the visible symptoms of chronic inflammatory skin diseases only tell part of the story. She noted that persistent itching, sleepless nights, and pain can severely affect patients’ confidence and daily lives.
Dr. Cecilio Azar, a Consultant Gastroenterologist, highlighted the broader implications of Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, which can lead to missed work and social isolation. He stressed the need for innovative treatments that provide sustained disease control, allowing patients to regain stability and predictability in their lives. “The goal is to help patients live with fewer limitations,” he stated.
Prof. Khalid Alnaqbi, a Consultant Rheumatologist, added that research among Arabic-speaking patients reveals a desire for outcomes that extend beyond traditional clinical measures. Patients are seeking improvements in pain relief, sleep quality, mood, physical activity, and fatigue management. He noted that Gulf consensus recommendations advocate for shared decision-making and a focus on enhancing physical function and quality of life through both pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches.
Shady Ibrahim, Medical Director at Lilly Gulf, emphasized the importance of recognizing the progress made in immunology over the past ten years while also looking forward. “For people living with chronic immune-mediated diseases, innovation has meaning when it changes their experience of disease,” he remarked. Ibrahim reaffirmed Lilly’s commitment to advancing research and collaborating with the healthcare community to address ongoing unmet needs.
As the UAE continues to prioritize healthcare innovation and chronic disease management, the insights shared at this gathering underscore the importance of a holistic approach to patient care, aiming to improve not just clinical outcomes but also the overall quality of life for those affected by these challenging conditions. For further details, refer to Gulf Today.
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