The Emirates Arthritis Foundation (EAF), in co-operation with Dubai Festival City, will host the “Steps for Arthritis” Walkathon on November 23.

The event is aimed to benefit the Emirates Arthritis Foundation (EAF), an establishment whose purpose is to increase awareness and education about arthritis in the region and improve the quality of life for arthritis patients through leadership in the prevention, control and cure of the disease.

The event will be held under the patronage of Princess Haya bint Al Hussein, wife of vice-president and prime minister of UAE, and ruler of Dubai Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

"We can really make a difference in the lives of patients who need our help to obtain vital treatment. The donations collected will immensely contribute to improving the quality of life of arthritis patients," said vice-chairperson of the EAF board of directors Suzanne Al Houby.

Funds raised will go towards the EAF operated Endowment Fund which will help and treat patients who cannot afford the appropriate healthcare services they need. This fund pays for the diagnosis, testing and treatment with medications, or surgery as determined by the EAF.

The EAF is currently supporting 10 patients up to a cost of Dh70, 000 ($19,071) per patient per year. By jointly working with the EAF, Dubai Festival City aims to increase public awareness about this potentially crippling condition and to contribute to education initiatives that can further combat the disease.

A registration counter is available at the Festival Centre till November 22, being manned daily from 3pm to 10pm. Participants can also register on the day of the walk, between 8am to 9am.

Together with presenting sponsor, Dubai Festival City, the event is also supported by Rivoli, Arwa, Anlene and Roche. – TradeArabia News Service