Dubai-Feb2019: The Emirates Rare Diseases Society, in cooperation with the Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Award for Medical Sciences, is organizing a symposium on treatable rare diseases from the 15th to 16th February, at the Lapita Hotel, Dubai Parks and Resorts.

 

The symposium will be attended by a group of scientists in the field of human genetics in the United Arab Emirates, including Dr. Fatima Bastaki, Consultant Pediatrics and Clinical Genetics at Latifa Hospita; Dr. Fatima Al Jasmi, Associate Professor of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, and Consultant of Metabolic Diseases at Tawam Hospita; Dr. Nora Al Dhahiri, Assistant Professor, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (CMHS), United Arab Emirates Universit; Dr. Amal Al-Taneeji, Consultant Metabolic Genetics in Sheikh Khalifa Medical City, Abu Dhab; Dr. Nhaa Al Zaabi, Genetic Specialist at Fujairah Hospital; Dr. Waseem Fathallah, Mafraq Hospital; Dr. Mohamed Khalifa, Consultant of Genetics at Latifa Hospital; Dr. Ezzedine Mahani, Clinical Genetics Consultant; Dr. Joseph Hertecant, Child Consultant, Tawam Hospital, Dr. Osama Aldarashi, Specialist in Chemical Genetics at UAE Universit;  Dr. Fatima Ismail, Assistant Professor, Faculty of Medicine, UAE University; and Dr. Inas Nasr.

 

H.E Mashal Abdul Wahab Al Hammadi, Chairman of Emirates Rare Diseases Society, said, "The Rare Disease Day of is one of the most important events organized by the Society with the aim to encourage and support scientific studies and exchange experience in the diagnosis and treatment of rare diseases. Our objective is to better awareness of rare diseases between doctors and patients, accurate diagnosis of cases, and urgent intervention and early treatment for better results for patients of rare diseases to improve their living conditions. Our aim is also to facilitate interaction between patients with rare diseases and health care professionals, and raise awareness among health professionals and researchers in the UAE community. I would like to thank all the sponsors who have contributed to this scientific symposium.”

 

Dr. Fatima Al Jasmi stressed the importance of early neonatal screening to prevent mental retardation and avoid deaths. “Our primary goal is to have healthy and active children in society”, she said. 

 

H.E Abdullah bin Souqat, Executive Director of the Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Award for Medical Sciences, said , “The award is always keen to support all the activities and activities of the Society because of its great impact on the upgrading of the health sector within the State and its important role in spreading awareness of rare diseases, and how to deal with and diagnose such diseases.”

 

It worth mentioning that there will be four workshops in the second day addressing the practical approach to patient with acute encephalopathy, basic inheritance and genetic counseling in addition to genetic testing in clinical practice.