The Middle East Arthritis Foundation (MEAF) will host a public event in Dubai on 11 October to mark World Arthritis Day, focusing on the challenges faced by women navigating fertility, pregnancy, and motherhood while living with the condition. The free, full-day event at the Shangri-La Hotel aims to raise awareness, promote early diagnosis, and build a stronger support network for patients and their families.
Under the theme “Arthritis Matters: Empowering Lives, Building Stronger Communities,” the gathering will connect individuals with healthcare experts to discuss the latest strategies in treatment, nutrition, and mental health.
The Impact of Arthritis
Arthritis is a leading cause of disability worldwide, covering more than 50 types of autoimmune diseases and wear-and-tear conditions. Globally, 528 million people have osteoarthritis and 18 million live with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). These conditions, along with systemic lupus, affect women more frequently than men.
In the Gulf region, approximately 20 per cent of the population is affected. A significant challenge in the UAE is a common one-year delay in diagnosis, often due to low awareness of early symptoms. Medical experts stress that early diagnosis improves the chances of disease remission and allows for more effective medication adjustments. If left untreated, arthritis can cause permanent joint damage and lead to complications affecting the heart, eyes, lungs, and kidneys.
A Focus on Women’s Health
For young women and mothers, arthritis presents distinct difficulties. The condition can affect fertility and limit treatment options during pregnancy. Conditions such as lupus can also increase the risk of premature birth or pregnancy loss.
Contrary to a common belief that RA improves during pregnancy, about half of women experience a worsening of their symptoms. After childbirth, hormonal shifts can trigger painful flare-ups, adding to the physical and emotional strain of caring for a newborn while managing chronic pain and fatigue. With timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment, many severe outcomes can be avoided, allowing women to plan families and lead active lives.
A Day of Education and Support
The event, running from 8 am to 4 pm, will feature a programme of expert talks and practical activities. Attendees can participate in yoga for arthritis, a live Taichi-therapy demonstration, and a dance session for joint health. The agenda also includes sessions on anti-inflammatory diets and a seminar on mental health titled “Not All Pain is Visible.”
Dr Humeira Badsha, a founding member of MEAF, highlighted the urgency of the issue. “Arthritis strikes people of every age and remains with them for life, yet public understanding of this condition is still limited,” she said. “With millions of people living with this disability, including one in five in the UAE, the urgency to spread awareness and encourage early diagnosis is clear.”
Dr Badsha added that with careful planning and strong medical support, many women with arthritis can have healthy pregnancies. “On World Arthritis Day, we renew our commitment to empowering patients, lessening disability and deformity through early treatment, and strengthening the community of support around them,” she stated.
The day will include patient engagement workshops where individuals and caregivers can share personal stories. It will conclude with an open question-and-answer session with rheumatologists. The event is free to attend, and registration is available at www.arthritis.ae/wad/.
