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Arab Health to
address
growing
prevalence of asthma in the
Middle East and North Africa
(MENA) region
(Dubai, UAE) -
Arab Health, the largest
exhibition for healthcare
and trade professionals in
the MENA region, will
address the growing
prevalence of asthma in the
Middle East and North Africa
(MENA) region as part of the
4th annual Emergency
Medicine Conference, which
takes place on the opening
day of the trade show on 27
January 2020.
According to research from
the Global Asthma Network,
some 339 million people, or
one in 20 globally, are
affected by the condition.
Often referred to as a
Chronic Respiratory Disease
(CRD), it causes airways to
restrict and often results
in coughing, wheezing,
tightening of the chest,
shortness of breath and
generally difficulty
breathing. In the UAE,
approximately 14% of the
population is impacted,
equating to 1.3 million
residents.
Speaking ahead of the
Emergency Medicine
conference, Dr.Saleh Fares,
Consultant of Emergency
Medicine, EMS and Disaster
Medicine, Founder and
President, Emirates Society
of Emergency Medicine (ESEM),
Dubai, and moderator of the
respirology session, said:
“CRDs are increasing in
prevalence in the Middle
East and, unfortunately, are
often left undiagnosed and
untreated. This is having
huge social and economic
consequences and, in some
instances, is resulting in
death. With the correct
diagnosis and treatment, the
number of deaths can be
dramatically reduced, and
the impact of the condition
lessoned.”
“We need to ensure there is
better access to treatment
and educate both frontline
medical staff, as well as
the patient, about the
symptoms and the best course
of action to take to remedy
the condition,” he added.
The UAE’s above-average
number of asthma cases is
often attributed to the
UAE’s dusty conditions due
to the desert environment as
well as seasonal changes and
the resulting increase and
decrease in temperature and
humidity. A reliance on air
conditioning in the home and
office, if not properly
cleaned, can also become the
ideal breeding ground for
mould and dust which can act
as a trigger for some
sufferers.
According to Dr Danish Sami,
Consultant, Emergency
Medicine, Sheikh Shakhbout
Medical City (SSMC), Abu
Dhabi, who will outline the
factors contributing to the
region’s asthma problems as
part of his session titled
Asthma Exacerbation in 2020:
“The issue we face is that
only 30% of asthma sufferers
are treated in a controlled
environment. Similarly, only
30% are either partially
controlled, and 40% have no
diagnosis and therefore no
treatment. There is still a
need for education,
particularly with children,
who we need to encourage to
exercise more to help negate
the impact of asthma,
however steps taken within
the education system and
health authorities are
helping to address these
issues.”
According to the latest
research from UN Comtrade
2019, the UAE has seen a
Compound Annual Growth Rate
(CAGR) increase of 14.92%
from US$19.6 million in 2015
to US$34.1 million in 2018
in the product categories of
therapeutic respiration
apparatus, ozone, oxygen and
aerosol therapy apparatus;
and artificial respiration
or other therapeutic
respiration apparatus.
The bulk of therapeutic
respiration apparatus
imports by the UAE come from
the United States, China,
Japan and Germany
–
all countries that will be
present at Arab Health 2020
and showcasing their latest
technology in this field.
Ross Williams, Exhibition
Director of Arab Health,
said:
“As part of our commitment
to provide access and
information about the most
up-to-date solutions and
medical devices to the
region, we will host over
250 companies who will be
showcasing the latest
technologies related to
respiratory and life
support. Products and
services will include
ventilation solutions,
oxygen and nebuliser masks
as well as ventilation units
and ICU ventilation from
companies including Drager,
Hamilton and Polybond
India.”
In addition to the Emergency
Medicine Conference, a total
of 13 Continuing Medical
Education (CME) conferences
and one educational forum
will take place during the
four-day Arab Health
Congress. More than 5,000
delegates are expected to
attend
medical
specialty tracks
including Obs & Gyne,
Diabetes and Total
Radiology, as well as eight
new conferences that
include; Midwifery, Patient
Experience, Physical
Medicine, Rehabilitation &
Sports Medicine, and a
Healthcare Investment Forum,
amongst others.
Organized by Informa
Markets, an anticipated
4,250+ exhibitors from more
than 64 countries and 55,000
visitors are expected to
attend the 2020 edition of
the show which takes place
from 27
– 30 January 2020 at the
Dubai World Trade Centre and
Conrad Dubai Hotel.
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