Achievements of the Arfa Multiple Sclerosis Association in supporting patients in the Kingdom
continues The Arfa Multiple Sclerosis Association to achieve exceptional milestones, contributing to a transformation in the healthcare and social well-being of patients. Through its pioneering "Be Strong for Yourself" program, now in its sixth season, the association has reached over 1.8 million beneficiaries, aiming to enhance the quality of life for approximately 1,050 individuals living with MS and alleviate their daily struggles.
History of health awareness and the role of the Arfa Multiple Sclerosis Association
Historically, multiple sclerosis (MS) was a chronic disease lacking sufficient public awareness in the Arab region, often leading to delayed diagnosis and worsening of the condition. With the development of the healthcare sector in Saudi Arabia and in line with the goals of Vision 2030, which focuses on quality of life and comprehensive healthcare, the need for specialized organizations became critical. This is where the Arfa Multiple Sclerosis Association in to fill this gap. Its awareness program, launched in 2021, has been operating under the generous and ongoing patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Saud bin Nayef bin Abdulaziz, Governor of the Eastern Province, and with the unlimited support of governmental and private entities.
Local and regional impact of multiple sclerosis patient support programs
This strategic project aims to highlight the extent of the silent suffering endured by people with multiple sclerosis (MS) and to provide effective ways to improve their daily lives through a series of awareness-raising activities. Locally, the association revealed that it provides comprehensive health, awareness, and consultative services to more than 1,050 people with MS, reflecting its institutional commitment to supporting this group and removing obstacles in their lives. Regionally, the association has become a model for non-profit organizations in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries by offering sustainable programs that integrate psychological, medical, and social support for people with MS.
Unprecedented field expansion and global achievements
The association's field activities expanded to include government and private hospitals, shopping malls, and recreational facilities, reaching even screens distributed throughout the Eastern Province and its key locations. In numerical terms, statistics showed a widespread online and on-the-ground awareness campaign, reaching over 1,809,702 beneficiaries, supported by the efforts of 1,039 volunteers and significant community participation.
Internationally, the program garnered global attention by entering the Guinness World Records in 2022, creating the world's largest multiple sclerosis symbol using 1,012 umbrellas. This achievement was more than just a record; it was a global message affirming the Kingdom's and its institutions' ability to amplify the voices of patients on international platforms and raise global awareness of the disease.
The future of healthcare and sustainable leadership
On the medical front, the association reinforced its leading role by organizing the first Multiple Sclerosis Conference in the Kingdom in 2023, followed by another successful event with the launch of the second edition in 2025. These conferences contribute to bringing the latest global research and treatments to Saudi Arabia and localizing them to serve patients, thus positively impacting the available treatment options.
The program organizers affirmed that the “Be Strong for Yourself” initiative continues its humanitarian mission, striving to build a more conscious society, to achieve a sustainable impact that improves the lives of people with multiple sclerosis, and ensures their full and effective integration into the national development process.
