The seminar brought together people affected by MS and key MS health professionals, involved in the provision of support and services to people with MS, from Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Oman, the Palestinian Authority, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Tunisia, the United Arab Emirates and Yemen.

The seminar consisted of presentations and lectures by country representatives, as listed above, and the World Health Organization Eastern Mediterranean Regional Office (WHO EMRO). Workshops, facilitated by two regional experts, enabled delegates to acquire strategic planning and fundraising techniques to take back with them and apply in their countries.


Dr Eman Ellabany, WHO EMRO, presented information about the Office's regional work.

Through working group and plenary discussions, the delegates agreed that the priority needs for MS organisations in the region were:

• increased awareness of, and openness towards MS, including increased distribution of MS information and the nurturing of a culture of volunteerism


• increased access to treatment and therapy for all people with MS, by reducing cost and ensuring that MS is recognised by health insurance providers and relevant state bodies


• increased cooperation between national MS organisations through a regional network


• the establishment of a regional centre which could facilitate the pooling and provision of MS information in Arabic; host a pan-Arab MS website and house a multidisciplinary centre of excellence for medical treatment and training


• the building of stronger external relationships and/or partnerships with the media, government departments, IGOs, NGOs, embassies, diasporas etc.


• the mobilisation of resources to contribute to all of the above.

Download the MSIF Arabic Development Seminar Press Release