The National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS) has signed an agreement with the Authority of Social Contribution – Ma’an to establish NMSS’s first fundraising campaign. The partnership was signed at a ceremony in the presence of Her Excellency Dr Fatima Al Kaabi, Vice Chair of the NMSS, Director General of Emirates Drug Establishment and Executive Director of Abu Dhabi Bone Marrow Transplant program at Abu Dhabi Stem Cells Center (ADSCC), and Her Excellency Salama Al Ameemi, Director General of the Authority of Social Contribution - Ma’an.  

The fundraising campaign will unite the two entities’ resources and efforts in a bid to generate contributions from individuals and companies via the Ma’an Social Contribution Platform, the official channel to receive contributions aimed at supporting social priorities in Abu Dhabi. A hundred per cent of the proceeds from the initiative will be used to improve the lives of people with multiple sclerosis living in the UAE through the provision of support, raising awareness, and advancing research efforts, all while working towards finding a cure for MS.

This partnership aligns with Ma’an’s mission of developing collaborative cohesive communities by enabling a strong and active third sector to address social priorities in Abu Dhabi.

The fund will also help deliver support programmes, improve healthcare services, and provide a community for people in the emirates affected by MS.

Her Excellency Dr Fatima Al Kaabi, Vice Chair of the NMSS, Director General of Emirates Drug Establishment and Executive Director of Abu Dhabi Bone Marrow Transplant program at Abu Dhabi Stem Cells Center (ADSCC), said: “We’re delighted to be announcing the launch of our first official donation fund in partnership with Ma’an. Working in unison with a shared objective, utilising contributions from organisations and individuals to help improve the lives of people living with MS in the UAE, supporting programmes and awareness campaigns to enhance wellbeing.  All contributions received will assist people living with MS in a number of ways, and also fund today’s treatment and tomorrow’s research to achieve a future free of MS, in line with our society’s goals and vision.”

Her Excellency Salama Al Ameemi, Director General of the Authority of Social Contribution - Ma’an, said: “Ma'an recognises the significance of partnerships in achieving sustainable social impact. The emphasis on both supporting programmes for individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) and raising awareness about the condition within the Abu Dhabi community reflects a holistic approach to addressing social priorities.

“By fostering supporting programmes to support social initiatives aligned with the key priorities of Abu Dhabi residents, Ma'an enables the growth of a thriving Third Sector to drive social innovation and contribute to the overall wellbeing of the community to create a positive and lasting impact. 

“It's through partnerships and shared goals that organisations can amplify their impact and work towards building a more resilient and cohesive community by empowering the Third Sector to deliver sustainable solutions that address wide-ranging social priorities.”