ABUDHABI: The Emirates Stem Cells Support Group, a new patient initiative was launched by The UAE Genetics Diseases Association.
On the International Stem Cell Awareness Day on 14th October 2020, the support group opened its doors to the community officially. Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, the UAE Minister of Tolerance and President of the UAE Genetic Diseases Association launched the initiative.
“Our efforts to create patient support groups are aligned with federal vision of UAE healthcare. We start the new Emirates Stem Cells Support Group as a part of UAE GDA commitment to build and sustain community centric projects and empower patients, “said Dr. Maryam Matar, Founder and Chairperson of UAE Genetic Diseases Association, and Founder and Chairperson of the Support Group ahead of the launch.
Patient support groups for Down syndrome, Cancer, Breast Cancer, Rare Diseases and Alzheimer’s have been found by the group for the past 16 years. Many of these groups developed as part of UAE GDA and later became independent bodies.
Many prominent members including Dr. Yandry. General Director of Abu Dhabi Cell Center Dr. Saqr Al Mualla, Deputy Director General of Al Qasimi Hospital, Dr. Joseph, General Director of the Stem Cell Storage Center, BioScience, and Dr. Aamir Khan, researcher specialising in stem cells at the University of Sharjah are part of the scientific board.
Stem cell therapy is the new field of medicine, and scientists aim to use stem cell therapy as a solution for several incurable diseases and rare diseases that have were unable to be treated till date. This therapy has huge potential for future healthcare as stated by Sheikha Al Mazrouei, Head of the Group. Dr. Saqr Al Mualla also explained that the importance of Stem Cell Awareness Day represents a global opportunity to promote a greater understanding of research.
Source: wam.ae
