Alliance to spread asthma care among children

The UAE's first asthma care organisation was launched yesterday at the Children City Dubai.

The Mothers' Network of Asthmatic Children is an alliance of parents with affected children and is dedicated to bringing new hopes active life among sufferers through counselling, education and community initiatives.

Asthma affects approximately seven per cent of the world population, with surveys showing that childhood asthma is on the rise globally at a rate of nearly 15 per cent annually.

In the UAE, at least 15 per cent of the population suffer from the condition.

"Children with asthma can lead life in full capacity like any other healthy children. There are simple ways in which parents can improve their children's condition and bring back the smiles ... This is a promise that MNAC hopes to achieve in putting up the network," said Makiya Al Hajiri, chairwoman of the group.

She encouraged mothers, volunteers and interested groups support MNAC's rally against asthma and its debilitating effects.

"I believe in the power of action and working together towards one goal. Asthma can be extremely well-controlled or life threatening in children ... it's all up to the parents," she said.

Initiatives
* Raising awareness about asthma through public conferences and health forums

* Offering parents and caregivers information on new guidelines about asthma care

* Working with healthcare professionals to facilitate information flow about special needs and condition of asthma sufferers