“Novartis Pharmaceuticals (S.A.E)” and «MS Care Society» celebrate World Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Day in Egypt 2.3 million people around the world live with MS and are diagnosed between the ages of 5 -311-3

In cooperation with “MS Care Society”, “Novartis Pharmaceuticals (S.A.E)î held a press conference at Marriott Hotel - Zamalek, on the occasion of World MS Day, celebrated worldwide. The conference brought together a number of experts from Novartis and prominent professors to shed light on MS, in an effort to raise awareness on the disease in Egypt.

The conference highlighted the seriousness of the disease, its symptoms and complications, addressing ways for patients to live with MS. The conference brought together Dr. Mai Shaarawi, Treasurer of the MS Care Society; Dr. Hatem Samir, Professor of Neurology at Cairo University; Dr. Dina Abdel-Gawad, Assistant Neurology Professor at Ain Shams University; Dr. Nevin Mohi, Professor of Neurology at Cairo University; and Eng. Ahmed Darwish, Deputy Head of the MS Care Society. MS is one of the most common neurological disorders that cause disability among young adults. There are 2.3 million people around the world infected with MS most often diagnosed in the third decade of their lives, mostly between the age of 25 and 31. MS affects women more than men, with the number of women diagnosed with the disease being twice as much as men1-3.

“MS is characterized by variability. At times, the patient is enjoying good health and other times they would suffer from the disease symptoms,” said Dr. Hatem Samir, Professor of Neurology at Cairo University. “Patients may also suffer from eyesight problems, sensory and motion disorders. During diagnosis, doctors usually rely on the patientís complaint, the clinical examination results, and the MRI examination results. MS treatment may involve the use of specific medications to relieve acute illness or in other cases the use of certain drugs that reduce symptoms development,” he added.

“MS Care Society relies on the continuous cooperation with the medical society and pharmaceutical companies to raise awareness on MS in Egypt,” said Dr. Mai Shaarawi, Treasurer of MS Care Society. “Choosing the appropriate treatment early on in order to control the disease is of utmost importance, as it protects the patient from complications that may lead to extended disability in advanced stages,” she added.

“MS affects patients between the ages of 20-40, affecting their productivity and ability to move and work,” said Dr. Dina Abdel Gawad, Assistant Professor of Neurology at Ain Shams University. “Therefore, providing the suitable treatment for every MS patient case is of great importance in improving their condition and maintaining their level of physical ability. We continue to request the inclusion of all drugs at the expense of the state and not only specific types of patient treatments,” she added.

“We work on helping patients live a better life and advise them to get enough rest, avoid depression and psychological pressures, highlighting the importance of exercise and adopting a balanced and healthy diet,” said Dr.Nevin Mohy Eldin, Professor of Neurology at Cairo University. “Studies have shown the effectiveness of the new oral medication Fingolimod in reducing MS chronic disease setbacks. The new treatment helps alleviate the patientís suffering from using injections, reduces brain relapses and hinders the progression of the disease. It also reduces the rate of brain atrophy associated with the disease in its early stages1-3,” she added.

“MS patients face unique challenges that require effective treatments as a vital starting point towards a better life. As part of our commitment to local communities, Novartis works on leading efforts to raise awareness about the disease and support the MS community,» said Dr. Basyouni AbouSeif, CPO Head & Country President - Novartis Egypt.

As part of its leading role in raising awareness about MS in Egypt, Novartis has sponsored the «Cairo Runners» Marathon that took place in Zamalek on Friday, May 29, 2015, under the theme «For a Better Life», inviting youth to join the MS awareness campaign in Egypt.

Charity Fun Run at Four Seasons Resort Sharm El Sheikh A great Success

The perfect way to raise funds and awareness for the Children’s Cancer Hospital 57357 by the shores of the Red Sea

On Saturday, May 30, 2015, as part of the General Manager’s community outreach program, and in continuous efforts to serve and reach out to the local community, Four Seasons Resort Sharm El Sheikh hosted a charity fun run event in Sharm El Sheikh supporting the Children’s Cancer Hospital 57357.

The registration time began at 8:00 am, with a large group of in-house guests and employees as well as outside guests from different hotels and resorts. The stylish, active and energetic crowd gathered by the main entrance of Four Seasons, and then approximately 250 participants walked, jogged and ran for a distance of 3.25 kilometres (2 miles). The route started from Four Seasons, going to Sheikh Zayed road, reaching Concord El Salam resort and finally coming back to the start point through Soho Square.

At the end of the run, all participants were invited to gather by the Reef Lawn at the Resortís beach to celebrate the event with some healthy snacks and freshly prepared tasty drinks as raffle winners were chosen. “What a fantastic event, I am so proud to be part of such an outstanding team!! Thank you again to everyone who helped to organise this great event, and of course also a special thanks to the team who kept the Hotel running,” said Maria Jagla, General Manager at Four Seasons Resort Sharm El Sheikh.

“I would like to send a big thank you to everyone who helped us in making such a very successful event and to tell everyone that we really care about the community. Itís great to be part of a team organising such a popular and successful community event,î said Director of Human Resources Amr Fawzy.