World Lupus Day: AIA empowers community through autoimmune awareness initiative
SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)In observance of World Lupus Day on May 10, the Autoimmune Association (AIA) recently hosted a workshop aimed at raising awareness about autoimmune conditions and helping individuals recognise symptoms early.The AIA partnered with the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment for the event that brought together specialists, media representatives, as well as ministry employees.Dr. Eman Al Hashimi, Founder and President of BoD in AIA, presented an in-depth session exploring the nature of autoimmune diseases, their most common types, and the critical importance of early detection and innovative treatment strategies. She also addressed key contributing factors, such as genetic and environmental triggers, the role of lifestyle and nutrition, and the diseases' profound psychological and social impact on patients.
Speaking to Aletihad on the sidelines of the event, Dr. Al Hashimi explained how raising awareness about lupus supports the broader mission of the AIA. "Raising awareness about lupus helps shine a light on the wider group of autoimmune diseases that are often misunderstood or misdiagnosed. It's not just about one disease — it is about changing how people view invisible illnesses, and that's at the core of AIA's mission.'The workshop aimed to equip the public with essential knowledge about autoimmune diseases, empowering them to make informed decisions when faced with these conditions or associated symptoms. 'With this workshop, I hoped we could break down the fear and confusion around autoimmune conditions, and help people recognize symptoms early. Early detection can make a huge difference in someone's quality of life,' Dr. Al Hashimi said. The event was supervised by Dr. Atheer Al Ansari, AIA's Chief Medical Consultant, who facilitated discussions and enriched the audience's understanding of comprehensive patient care strategies.The workshop drew strong community engagement, reflecting growing public interest in autoimmune health and reinforcing the association's mission to bridge the gap between medicine and society.Dr. Al Hashimi emphasised the importance of involving the community in discussions around healthcare.
'Community outreach allows us to meet people where they are — it turns medical knowledge into something personal and accessible. Collaborating with partners like the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment amplifies that message and builds trust across different sectors of society.'
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