In line with its continuous initiatives in raising health awareness, Danat Al Emarat Hospital for Women & Children in Abu Dhabi launched an endometriosis awareness campaign in collaboration with the Emirates Endometriosis League (EMEL) in March 2017. As part of the campaign, the hospital hosted the icon of arab drama, Ms. Mayssa Maghrebi, who gave an inspirational and motivational talk to women attending, some of whom have been suffering from endometriosis for few years.

In her inspirational talk that was held at Danat Al Emarat Hospital located in Abu Dhabi Gate City on 27 March 2017, Ms. Maghrebi spoke about her personal experience and highlighted the importance of early detection of endometriosis. International studies show that 1 out of 10 women are affected by endometrioses; which should be alarming to women suffering from monthly severe pains to consult the specialized physician at the right time and to read more about this chronic disease. She also said that there are some diseases that need more awareness in the community, and are diagnosed late and after complications occur despite the extreme suffering from different symptoms including pain. Early diagnosis will help eliminate complications and will help minimize the suffering and pain.

Mayssa Maghrebi explained that a large percentage of women affected with endometriosis get diagnosed very late. She also noted that it is also important that mothers keep an eye on their daughters as soon as they grow up, and if any young girl suffers from severe monthly pain it is highly advised to visit the specialized physician for consultation, to prevent complications that may affect the patient’s life drastically on a monthly basis as they become unable to go to school or to work on specific days of the month and in the long run, when the diagnosis is delayed, internal adhesions may occur and in some cases problems in fertility will arise.

She also noted how early detection and the right treatments are now accessible, as healthcare authorities and healthcare providers in UAE, including Danat Al Emarat Hospital in Abu Dhabi, execute regular awareness programs, educating women on the importance of early detection to control the disease and improve women’s life.

During her tour at the hospital, Mayssa Maghrebi appraised the services provided at Danat Al Emarat Hospital. Physicians spoke to her about the equipment and services provided at the hospital especially the endometriosis clinic and the women’s endoscopic and laparoscopy surgery as well as pediatric services. Ms. Maghrebi toured the Women & Gynecology Clinic and visited few patients staying at Danat Al Emarat Hospital for gynecological problems. She also discussed with a group of women during the event the importance of raising awareness among in the society about the disease, which affects women between the ages of 13 to 45 years.

From his side, Dr. Amin Hassan Abdelmagied, Consultant Obstetrics, Gynecology & Advanced Minimally Access Surgery at Danat Al Emarat Hospital said, “Through such talks in the community, we aim to urge women to visit the right physicians for consultation at the right time, especially if any symptoms were shown including severe monthly pain. March is the month of Endometriosis awareness and our efforts towards health education is ongoing and won’t be only during the month of March. Several lectures were also organized recently about the disease, and more will be held on a regular basis. From here and on behalf of the hospital and medical team, we would like to thank Ms. Mayssa Maghreb for her support and cooperation in raising awareness on endometriosis. Her efforts with us helped spread the word on this chronic disease.”

Dr. Islam Sidky, Consultant Obstetrics, Gynecology and Minimally Access Surgery and Vice President of the Emirates Endometriosis League (EMEL) stated, “Through joint educational events as such with EMEL and as part of our responsibility towards promoting healthier communities, we aim to improve women’s general health and educate the society on adopting healthy lifestyles at an early age, in addition to detecting diseases at early stages.”