Today's Edition
SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)
Dr. Eman Al Hashimi, an award-winning Emirati composer, and the first female in her field, believes that offering creative outlets can enhance the emotional and psychological wellbeing of those affected by autoimmune conditions, ultimately improving their quality of life.
In an interview with Aletihad, she shared how her musical journey and commitment to raising awareness about health issues, particularly autoimmune conditions, helped her found the Auto-Immune Association (AIA), supporting those affected by autoimmune diseases.
Dr. Al Hashimi said that autoimmune diseases are often misunderstood, and by using her platform as a composer, she aims to raise awareness and build a community for those affected.
According to Cleveland Clinic, autoimmune diseases are health conditions that occur when the immune system attacks the body instead of defending it. Autoimmune diseases are chronic conditions, and there are more than 100 different autoimmune diseases. They can affect almost any tissue or organ in your body, depending on where the immune system malfunctions.
Dr. Al Hashimi said she founded the AIA to provide support and education for individuals with autoimmune conditions, addressing challenges such as emotional toll and lack of understanding, which she personally witnessed.
Highlighting the significant role art and music therapy can play in promoting healing for autoimmune patients, she said: "Creative activities allow individuals to express feelings that may be difficult to articulate verbally. Engaging in art and music can reduce stress and promote relaxation, which is crucial in managing symptoms and improving overall wellbeing."
One of the core values of the AIA is to advocate for greater awareness and education about autoimmune diseases.
"My experience has highlighted the urgent need for greater awareness and education about autoimmune diseases... my colleagues and I are driven to advocate for increased visibility and education, helping to break down misconceptions," she said.
In terms of addressing the challenges faced by individuals with autoimmune diseases, Dr. Al Hashimi identified several critical issues, including difficulty in managing symptoms, lack of community support, and delays in diagnosis.
"Individuals with autoimmune encounter a variety of challenges that can significantly impact their daily lives. One of the most pressing issues is the complexity of managing their conditions, which often involves navigating a range of symptoms that can vary widely from day to day," she added.
Dr. Al Hashimi stressed that the AIA is committed to addressing these challenges: "Our association is dedicated to addressing these challenges through a collaborative and human-centred approach. We focus on education and awareness campaigns to inform both the public and healthcare providers about autoimmune diseases, helping to foster a supportive environment."
She added that the AIA plans to integrate medical, artistic, and community-driven initiatives to raise public awareness of autoimmune diseases through workshops, events, and campaigns.
The AIA promotes participation in local and international forums, supports technological innovation in healthcare, and fosters a network of support groups for autoimmune disease mental health.
Furthermore, the AIA offers a platform for individuals to volunteer in various fields, encouraging collaboration and fostering a community-driven approach to healing.
"Our goal is to position the AIA as a leading voice in the global arts community and the leading hope for wellbeing around the world," Dr. Al Hashimi added.
