ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)
PureHealth has partnered with the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS) to strengthen awareness, support earlier diagnosis and improve care for MS patients across the UAE.
Established through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed at Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City (SSMC), the partnership combines PureHealth’s clinical expertise and system-wide capabilities with NMSS’s role in advocacy, education, and community support, while also contributing to global efforts to advance research towards a cure for MS.
The collaboration also aligns with PureHealth’s commitment to coordinated care delivery and its role as a founding member of the National Coalition for MS, advancing coordinated, evidence-based MS care across the UAE.
MS, a chronic neurological condition affecting the brain and spinal cord, can lead to a wide range of physical, cognitive and mobility challenges, often impacting individuals during early to mid-adulthood. While MS affects an estimated 2.9 million people globally, prevalence in the UAE has been rising over the past decade, underscoring the importance of continuing to raise awareness of the condition and support the early recognition of its symptoms
Chief Sustainability Officer at PureHealth, Leya Aldamani, said, “Multiple sclerosis continues to require greater efforts to support the early recognition of its symptoms and enable patients to access timely diagnosis and the right care. This partnership reflects our commitment to bringing together clinical expertise, data and coordinated care pathways to enable earlier intervention and improve long-term outcomes. By strengthening clinical capability and embedding more patient-centred models of care, our goal is to contribute to building a more connected and proactive healthcare system.”
A central focus of the collaboration is supporting the implementation of the UAE’s first MS Treatment Guidelines, led and published by NMSS, into clinical practice and payer systems.
This is expected to improve how patients are diagnosed, treated and supported, including earlier access to highly effective treatments based on the latest evidence, improved insurance coverage alignment, and more consistent care delivery across the UAE.
Acting Executive Director of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Maral Alexandrian, said, “Meaningful progress in MS care cannot happen in silos, and people living with the condition benefit most when healthcare, advocacy and community support work hand in hand. Our partnership with PureHealth reflects a shared commitment to strengthening the MS ecosystem in the UAE through greater awareness, earlier intervention and more coordinated support for individuals and families impacted by the condition. Together, we hope to help build a more connected and informed ecosystem where people living with MS feel better supported at every stage of their journey.”
The partnership will also enhance support for vulnerable groups, including pregnant and breastfeeding women, and paediatric patients, while promoting a more patient-centred approach that encourages active patient involvement in treatment decisions.
It will also contribute to strengthening MS research and data in the UAE, supporting the development of local disease insights and informing national studies, registries, and future publications through closer collaboration between clinicians, researchers and health authorities.
Another key pillar of the partnership is strengthening clinical capabilities of more than 1,300 healthcare professionals through a series of Continuing Medical Education (CME)-accredited sessions led by MS specialists, and aligned with the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi’s (DoH) direction.
The programme will support neurologists and multidisciplinary teams in improving diagnosis and long-term disease management.
The initiative places a strong emphasis on empowering nurses in care coordination and patient education, while extending engagement to patients and caregivers through dedicated community sessions.
Targeted awareness initiatives including webinars, workshops and digital campaigns, will further improve public understanding of MS and support earlier symptom awareness.