The announcement highlights a strategic alliance aimed at improving outcomes for individuals living with multiple sclerosis in the country. WAM reported that the partnership between PureHealth and NMSS will focus on key areas including research, education and clinical support. The two entities bring complementary strengths to the table with PureHealth offering advanced healthcare infrastructure and the NMSS providing specialized advocacy experience. This development comes as the UAE seeks to address the needs of its growing MS community through coordinated efforts.
A baseline survey conducted by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society estimated the prevalence of MS in the UAE at 18 to 19 cases per 100,000 people in studies from 2011 and 2016. In contrast, research focused on the Abu Dhabi Emirati population placed the age-standardized prevalence at 64.44 per 100,000, a study in Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders showed. Globally, the number of people living with MS reached 2.9 million in 2023, according to the Atlas of MS. These figures illustrate the scale of the challenge that the new partnership seeks to tackle with targeted interventions.
The NMSS was founded in 2022 with the mission to improve the lives of people with MS and their communities through education, advocacy and support services. Since its inception, the society has engaged in multiple collaborations with government bodies and private sector partners to advance MS care standards. The tie-up with PureHealth marks a significant expansion of these activities, WAM stated in its coverage of the event. It follows other recent contributions to the cause, including a Dh25 million pledge from Erth Zayed Philanthropies in May 2025 that Gulf Today documented.
PureHealth serves as a key player in Abu Dhabi’s healthcare landscape, managing a network of facilities. According to details shared in the WAM article, the collaboration will enable better access to multidisciplinary care teams for patients. Training programs for medical staff and awareness initiatives for the public will form integral parts of the joint work. The approach emphasizes both immediate patient support and long-term research to drive innovation in treatment options.
Regional health assessments have pointed to rising MS cases in the Middle East. The partnership aligns with these trends by fostering data-driven strategies that can inform policy and practice, a PwC review of GCC health systems indicated. NMSS representatives have stressed the importance of such alliances in creating an inclusive environment for those affected by the condition. Additional work under the agreement will include psychological counseling and community integration programs to address the full spectrum of patient needs.
