Rare disease experts arrive in Riyadh for annual summit

RIYADH: Experts from around the world converged on Riyadh on Friday for the third Saudi Rare Disease Summit, where the role of artificial intelligence in early detection, diagnosis and treatment is among the key topics.
Organized by the Saudi Pediatric Neurology Society and Maarefah Management, the two-day event will provide a platform for more than 200 researchers, clinicians, caregivers and policymakers to share their knowledge and ideas and discuss ways to optimize patient care.
Fahad Al-Bashiri, a consultant pediatric neurologist at King Saud University and president of the SPNS, said the summit “stands out as a platform for sharing the latest advancements in rare disease management.”
“Experts will explore innovative approaches to diagnosis, treatment and patient care, and insights from local and regional experts to enhance the knowledge and practices of participants,” he said.
One of the highlights of this year’s event would be a session dedicated to empowering patients and families and addressing the challenges they face, he said.
Dr. Mohammed Al-Omari, a consultant in pediatric neurology at King Fahad University Hospital, said that while rare diseases might individually affect only a small number of patients, “collectively they constitute a large entity, touching families and communities.”
“It’s important to raise awareness and work together to solve the challenges of rare disease patients. Everyone with a rare disease deserves hope, care and a better future,” he said.