Enoc has extended its support to the Women’s Initiative for Rheumatoid Arthritis (Wira), the ongoing campaign aimed at raising awareness on rheumatoid arthritis, a crippling bone and joint disorder which is highly prevalent among women in the UAE and region.

The campaign seeks to educate the public on the high incidence, symptoms and consequences of the disease if left untreated, as well as on the importance of early detection, said an Enoc official.

“Rheumatoid arthritis is a painful and debilitating condition that affects many women in the UAE,” said Khalid Hadi, Enoc Group brand and marketing manager.

“We are proud to be a part of Wira campaign, which has the potential to make a real difference. Early detection means a better quality of life for sufferers, and Enoc is using its extensive reach to educate a wide swathe of the UAE community, especially those who have the condition but are unaware of it,” Hadi observed.

As an auto immune disease, rheumatoid arthritis affects women of all ages, progressively wearing out joints and body tissues to cause pain, swelling, stiffness and permanent disability.

Early detection and treatment can help slow down and even stop joint damage, reduce pain and prevent consequent deformity as well as disability, he said.

According to Hadi, informational material and posters on rheumatoid arthritis have been made available in 30 of the busiest Enoc service stations across the UAE.

Estimates place up to 75 per cent of UAE women at risk for rheumatoid arthritis during their lifetime.

'Currently, there are almost 20,000 women in the country who have the condition but are unaware of it. Many symptoms and warning signs of the disease go unnoticed or misdiagnosed until joints and body tissues are damaged beyond repair,' he added.-TradeArabia News Service