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Rheumatoid awareness campaign launched in Kuwait

KUWAIT, June 17, 2015

Kuwait Red Crescent has launched a nationwide awareness campaign against rheumatoid in collaboration with the Patients’ Helping Fund Association.

The ‘Together Against Rheumatoid’ campaign aims at spreading the knowledge about this disease considering that the number of patients in Kuwait exceeds 30,000 including Kuwaitis and expatriates, said a statement.

The initiative stems from KRC’s social responsibility and commitment to help patients suffering from rheumatoid and support their social reintegration as well as provide them with treatment, it said.

Anwar Al Hasawi, deputy chairman of KRC, elaborated on the organisation’s objectives in his speech at a press conference. He confirmed that these objectives are in line with KRC strategy to support patients affected by the disease and are prevented from gaining their lives.

The efforts will be provided at KRC though a medical committee that will include specialised doctors. Last year, the committee offered medicine to a large number of patients, with more than 60 patients still on the waiting list. About KD500,000 ($1.6 million) will be required to supply them with treatment, he said.

He has invited the Kuwaiti community in and outside Kuwait to support the cause along with KRC and help in reducing patients’ pain and suffering by donating.

Dr Mohamed Al Sharhan, chairman of PHF, said: “In line with our commitment to join efforts with NGOs in Kuwiat for the benefit of the patients, we have embarked on a nationwide campaign against rheumatoid with KRC to help the increasing number of patients.”

Dr Faisal Al Saqabi, rheumatologist at Al Sabah Hospital, tackled the dangerous effects of rheumatoid which is a chronicle disease affecting females three times more than males. The disease symptoms start with weaknesses in hands joints specially during night, in addition to swelling while it gradually spreads to include other joints in the body.

He emphasised the importance of immediately consulting a physician without any delays since it might result in permanent deformation of the hands and may lead to spreading of the disease to the entire body.

After diagnosis and prescription of needed drugs to prevent the development of the disease, there might be a need for physiotherapy which will help maintain the joints’ movement and strengthen muscles, he said.

Dr Ahmed Al Enezi, president of Kuwait Rheumatology Association, confirmed that kids are also threatened by the disease.

“Among 100,000 kids infected, there are 16 kids suffering from rheumatoid in Kuwait. It is a hard disease strongly impacting kids’ growth process in general and their joints in particular,” he said.

The campaign will include several activities such as distributing brochures in malls and SMS campaigns. - TradeArabia News Service




Tags: Kuwait | campaign | Disease | awareness |

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