Healthcare

PureHealth has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS) to strengthen multiple sclerosis (MS) awareness, improve early diagnosis, advance research and enhance patient care across the UAE.

The partnership, formalised at Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City (SSMC), combines PureHealth's clinical expertise with the NMSS's focus on advocacy, education and community support. The collaboration also contributes to global efforts aimed at advancing research towards a cure for MS while supporting the UAE's goal of delivering coordinated, evidence-based care.

Improving Early Diagnosis and Patient Care

MS is a chronic neurological condition that affects the brain and spinal cord, often causing physical, cognitive and mobility challenges. The disease typically develops during early to mid-adulthood.

With an estimated 2.9 million people living with MS worldwide and cases increasing in the UAE over the past decade, the partnership aims to improve public awareness, encourage early recognition of symptoms and facilitate timely diagnosis and treatment.

Leya Aldamani, Chief Sustainability Officer at PureHealth, said the collaboration reflects the organisation's commitment to integrating clinical expertise, data and coordinated care pathways to enable earlier intervention and improve long-term patient outcomes.

She added that strengthening clinical capabilities and adopting patient-centred care models would help build a more connected and proactive healthcare system.

Supporting National MS Treatment Guidelines

A key focus of the partnership is supporting the implementation of the UAE's first Multiple Sclerosis Treatment Guidelines, developed and published by the NMSS, across clinical practice and healthcare payer systems.

The initiative aims to:

1. Improve early diagnosis and access to treatment.
2. Expand access to highly effective therapies based on the latest clinical evidence.
3. Enhance alignment of health insurance coverage.
4. Promote more consistent and standardised MS care across the UAE.

Maral Alexandrian, Acting Executive Director of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, said meaningful progress in MS care requires collaboration between healthcare providers, advocacy groups and community organisations.

She noted that the partnership is designed to strengthen the UAE's MS ecosystem through greater awareness, earlier intervention and improved support for patients and their families.

Research, Training and Community Awareness

The collaboration will also strengthen MS research by supporting national studies, patient registries and future scientific publications through closer cooperation between clinicians, researchers and health authorities.

Special attention will be given to vulnerable patient groups, including pregnant and breastfeeding women and paediatric patients, while promoting shared decision-making between healthcare providers and patients.

As part of the initiative, more than 1,300 healthcare professionals will receive Continuing Medical Education (CME)-accredited training delivered by MS specialists in line with the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH).

The programme will enhance the capabilities of neurologists, nurses and multidisciplinary care teams in diagnosis, care coordination and long-term disease management.

Public engagement will also be expanded through webinars, workshops, digital awareness campaigns and educational sessions for patients and caregivers to improve understanding of MS and encourage earlier recognition of symptoms.

Strengthening the UAE's MS Ecosystem

The partnership aligns with PureHealth's role as a founding member of the National Coalition for MS and supports broader national efforts to develop an integrated, patient-centred healthcare ecosystem focused on improving outcomes for people living with multiple sclerosis.

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