April 2020
Since our last communication, the world has changed significantly as we continue to adjust to the evolving situation due to the COVID-19 pandemic. I am happy to share with you that the Al Jalila Foundation family is well, safe and healthy, and I hope that you and your families are too. For the first time in our lifetimes, the whole world is more connected, working together to manage the greatest public health crisis affecting each one of us. The sense of community around the world…
24 March 2020
As the world experiences an unprecedented global health crisis, I hope that you, your family, friends and colleagues are safe. Al Jalila Foundation salutes the heroes on the frontline from doctors, nurses, paramedics and healthcare workers who are risking their lives to help others. We stand in solidarity with everyone affected by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and extend our heartfelt gratitude to the UAE leadership for ensuring the health, safety and wellbeing of its people….
According to World Health Organization depression affects 350 million people worldwide and is a leading cause of disability, affecting more women than men.
In the Arab world, it is estimated that 17.7 percent of the population suffers from depression. With these alarming statistics, mental health is a top priority on the UAE National Agenda and a focus for Al Jalila Foundation research.
One Al Jalila Foundation funded research project, led by Dr Wegdan Bani Issa from University of Sharjah, is an in-depth population-based study among healthy adult women living in the UAE. This research studies the relationship between stress levels, sleep quality, physical activity and dietary habits.
Mental health is related to mental and psychological well-being. It affects how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. Women are at great risk for increased stress levels due to hormonal differences and pressure related to engaging in multiple roles in life.
Research like Dr Wegdan’s takes us a step closer to understanding how a woman’s stress relates to her lifestyle choices and will help develop evidence-based interventions geared toward improving her mental health, happiness level and productivity.
Growing up in an underprivileged community, Farah Ennab was inspired to pursue medicine as a profession to make a difference in people’s lives.
In 2016, based on excellent academic achievements, Farah was awarded an Al Jalila Foundation scholarship to follow her dream. Through the scholarship, Farah became the first person in her family to attend medical school and incidentally, was one of the first students enrolled in the Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) program at Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences (MBRU).
“Thanks to Al Jalila Foundation I have embarked on a journey of a lifetime. The scholarship has allowed me to explore the field of medicine and I am in awe of the diversity, complexity, and humanity that stems from such a noble profession. To have the trust of patients and the opportunity to change lives on a daily basis is an absolute privilege.”
Now in her fourth year, Farah is going through clinical rotations at various hospitals and was recently accepted as a student member of the American College of Surgeons. Upon graduation in 2022 Farah will be among the first MBBS graduates from MBRU and hopes to pursue a surgical specialty.
Mohammed was diagnosed with Blount’s disease at a young age, a growth disorder characterised by lower limb deformity that slowly worsens over time. By the age of 11, the pain and deformity had become so severe that Mohammed was no longer able to stand, much less walk or play with his siblings causing a great deal of psychological distress along with the physical.
Surgery was needed to get Mohammed back on his feet; however, the solution seemed far out of reach for his mother who was raising three children alone. Desperate to improve his quality of life, Mohammed’s mother sought out help and was directed to Al Jalila Foundation who sponsored the corrective surgery at Al Jalila Children’s Specialty Hospital.
“It is with great joy that I share my gratitude to the incredible doctors at Al Jalila Children’s and the team at Al Jalila Foundation for their compassion. I cannot describe my happiness for the success of Mohammed’s operation and to be supported at a time of need.”
Since his operation in July, Mohammed is unstoppable and finds so much joy in sports at school and kicking the ball around with his friends. Everyday brings a new world free from pain and limitations.
