Saudi Dermatology Society partners with AbbVie and Al Nahdi to boost skin disease awareness and care

SAUDI ARABIA—The Saudi Society of Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery (SSDDS) has entered into a strategic partnership with AbbVie Saudi Arabia, a global biopharmaceutical leader, and Al Nahdi Medical Company, the largest pharmacy chain in the Middle East and Africa.

This collaboration was formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aimed at advancing healthcare services, raising awareness, and improving disease management, particularly for skin conditions such as psoriasis and atopic dermatitis.

The MOU reflects a shared commitment to improving patient education by providing culturally relevant and accurate information about these chronic skin diseases, their symptoms, and available treatments.

This partnership aims to enhance public health services, raise awareness, and improve disease management through innovative healthcare solutions aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.

Central to this collaboration is a focus on educating patients about common but impactful skin conditions such as psoriasis and atopic dermatitis.

Dr. Abdullah Al-Aqeel, President of SSDDS, explained that the MOU will support patient education campaigns to increase understanding of these diseases, their symptoms, and available treatments.

Importantly, the initiative will provide culturally relevant and accurate educational materials to patients, helping them make informed decisions about their health.

In addition to patient outreach, the partnership will prioritize professional development among healthcare providers.

Through workshops and training sessions, dermatologists and other healthcare professionals will stay updated on the latest advances in treating psoriasis and atopic dermatitis.

This effort ensures that the medical community is well-equipped to deliver high-quality care.

Dr. Maysa Ashmawy, Head of Dermatology at the Saudi Ministry of Health and a board member of SSDDS, highlighted the value of such partnerships in enhancing healthcare services and fostering collaborative research.

She noted that sharing knowledge with healthcare providers supports national public health goals.

Similarly, Dr. Afaf Al-Sheikh, Consultant and Head of Dermatology at King Abdulaziz Medical City, praised the MOU for establishing a framework to improve management of skin diseases in Saudi Arabia.

She stressed the importance of early diagnosis, raising awareness, and enhancing access to treatment, all of which contribute to the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals.

Dr. Al-Sheikh also emphasized SSDDS’s ongoing role in organizing professional training and supporting research initiatives to keep pace with evolving treatment trends.

From the industry perspective, Dr. Ashraf Daoud, General Manager of AbbVie Saudi Arabia, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to collaborating with health authorities to provide education, training, and patient outreach programs.

He stated that AbbVie’s mission is to develop innovative medicines that address serious health challenges today and in the future, with a focus on key areas such as immunology, oncology, and neuroscience.

Through this tripartite partnership, the Saudi Society of Dermatology, AbbVie, and Al Nahdi Medical Company are setting a strong example of how public and private sectors can unite to improve healthcare outcomes.

Their combined efforts promise to enhance awareness, education, and treatment of dermatological conditions, ultimately benefiting patients across Saudi Arabia.

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