In October, Abdelfatah Ibrahim, MSIF’s Capacity Building Manager, visited Arfa MS Society to launch MSIF’s new country-focused programme in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

During his visit, Abdelfatah carried out carry out an organisational capacity assessment and supported the development of a capacity building action plan for 2017-2019, together with Arfa board members and staff.

Also during the visit, Abdelfatah facilitated a focus group discussion with people living with MS in Saudi Arabia, as well as meetings with the President of Arfa, Abdulaziz AlTurki, and health professionals.

Abdelfatah said, “I was very pleased to visit Arfa MS Society and to have the opportunity to meet with health professionals and people with, and affected by, MS from different cities in Saudi Arabia, as well as working with Arfa board members and staff to assess the organisation’s capacity-building needs and develop an action plan. I am very excited to be part of MSIF’s new country-focused programme with Arfa MS Society.”

The visit was part of the MS International Federation country-focused programme. Through mentoring, training and exchange visits with other MS organisations, the programme aims to build the capacity of selected four MS organisations in Saudi Arabia and Morocco so that they can increase their support to people affected by MS.