Dubai launches first clinic in GCC for people who are ‘always happy’ due to rare neuro-genetic disorder

Dubai launches first clinic in GCC for people who are ‘always happy’ due to rare neuro-genetic disorder

Dubai: For the first time in the GCC, Dubai has launched an exclusive clinic for individuals who are ‘always happy and smiling’ due to a rare genetic disorder called Angelman Syndrome (AS).

Dubai Health, the first integrated academic health system in Dubai, has partnered with the US-based Angelman Syndrome Foundation to establish the dedicated clinic at Al Jalila Children’s Hospital.

“This is the first-of-its-kind clinic in the region and aims to improve care for patients with Angelman Syndrome and raise awareness of this rare neurological disorder. The clinic will provide a supportive community hub where patients, families and caregivers can connect with experts and receive the best evidence-based care, bridging a gap in healthcare for those living with this condition,” Dubai Health said.

The partnership with the Angelman Syndrome Foundation represents new hope for individuals and families living with this rare neuro-genetic disorder in line with the Patient First promise, it pointed out.

Rare condition

Affecting approximately one in 500,000 people worldwide, the early symptoms of Angelman Syndrome include a significant delay in obtaining developmental milestones such as walking within the first 12 months. Other clinical findings include speech delay, movement or balance disorder and often present with an apparent