Aims and Objectives

Although it used to be thought that Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is not common in Saudi Arabia, it is now clear that it is fairly prevalent, under-diagnosed and even more important is that the incidence and prevalence of MS in Saudi Arabia and neighboring countries are increasing.

With recent advances in the knowledge of pathogenesis, natural history and available therapies for this disorder, a group of clinicians and scientists worked on establishing an advisory body that deals with different issues regarding MS in Saudi Arabia to help patients affected by this disorder and advance the knowledge of those in the medical profession and other medical sectors. The existence of this group is essential as there are no known and identified groups or organizations that deal with the issue of MS in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The Saudi Multiple Sclerosis Advisory Group was established in October 2001 to assist in the diagnosis and management of multiple sclerosis in Saudi Arabia and help individuals affected by this disorder.

In order to achieve this, the group aims to do the following:

1. Provide multiple sclerosis related advice and assistance at National level.

2. Conduct teaching sessions and lectures throughout medical facilities nationwide and conduct objective, specifically-focused workshops concerned with multiple sclerosis diagnosis, treatment and other related issues.

3. Issue a newsletter and awareness letter.

4. Prepare educational materials for the public.

5. Initiate a regular and in interactive contact with the public through different
   media means.

6. Initiate a website concerned with issues of multiple sclerosis that is suitable for physicians and public alike, which will be in English and Arabic languages that contains interactive pages and updated news.

7. Create a liaison between the group and different medical care providers in the Kingdom to establish a national multiple sclerosis registry.

8. Establish a channel of communication between the group and different related disciplines concerned with multiple sclerosis like rehabilitation, physiotherapy, occupational therapy and home health care management.

9. Contribute in any meeting, concerned with update in multiple sclerosis,
   diagnosis, management or related aspects.

10. Encourage and support local research concerned with multiple sclerosis in the
    Kingdom.

11. Encourage the establishment of multiple sclerosis clinics in major hospitals of the Kingdom.

12. Work in preparing guidelines for diagnosis and management of multiple sclerosis with frequent updates.