Boehringer Ingelheim convened leading minds in healthcare at the Conrad Sheikh Zayed Hotel in Dubai on May 29 for the Stroke Media Academy—an exclusive, high-impact event dedicated to promoting stroke awareness and advancing holistic stroke care across the UAE and the region.
The Academy brought together neurologists, healthcare professionals, and media representatives for an in-depth knowledge exchange on the importance of early stroke detection, prevention, and management. With stroke remaining a leading cause of disability and the second leading cause of death globally, the event underscored the urgent need to educate the public and healthcare stakeholders alike.
Oussama AlHajj, General Manager and Head of Human Pharma, UAE & Near East Region at Boehringer Ingelheim, opened the event by emphasizing the company’s long-standing commitment to addressing non-communicable diseases, particularly stroke, noting that the Stroke Media Academy is part of their broader mission to improve outcomes through awareness, early intervention, and coordinated care.
Marjan Maghami, Medical Director, UAE & Near East Region, Boehringer Ingelheim, highlighted the latest advancements in acute stroke care, emphasizing the importance of thrombolytic therapy and the need for collaboration across sectors. She stressed that fast recognition and rapid treatment are essential, noting that the media plays a vital role in educating the public about these life-saving interventions.
One of the key highlights of the event was a session led by Dr. Suhail AlRukn, President, Emirates Neurology Society, Head of the Stroke Center at Rashid Hospital in Dubai, who provided an in-depth overview of stroke pathways, the establishment of stroke-ready hospitals across the UAE, and the critical role of preventive care in strengthening community resilience, emphasizing that stroke care must be approached holistically—from managing risk factors to ensuring long-term rehabilitation.
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The emotional core of the event came with the inspiring story of Er. Ahmed Namazy, a stroke survivor who shared his journey of recovery. His testimony served as a powerful reminder of the human face of stroke and the value of timely medical attention.
Through this initiative, Boehringer Ingelheim continues to foster awareness and empower healthcare professionals and communicators with the tools to deliver life-saving information to the public—reinforcing that with the right knowledge and response, stroke doesn’t have to be a life sentence.
