Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates: Physicians at the Tropical and Infectious Diseases Division at Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City (SSMC), one of the UAE’s largest hospitals for serious and complex care and a joint-venture partnership between Abu Dhabi Health Services Company (SEHA) and Mayo Clinic, are highlighting the importance of increasing awareness about infectious diseases and seeking help early.

Dr. Emmanuel Nsutebu, division chair of Tropical and Infectious Diseases, says: “There are many misconceptions about what we do and the services we offer, and this can prevent people from getting the care they need. We regularly see people who suffer from serious complications of infections because they have misgivings about seeking care at infectious diseases clinics.”

The physicians at SSMC’s Division of Tropical and Infectious Diseases look after anyone with an infection, regardless of whether it can be passed from person to person. Common infections that are treated are often those that are contracted from within local communities, such as brucellosis, urinary tract infections, and skin infections. SSMC also sees patients who have travelled abroad, and who might have contracted an illness following their travels, like typhoid fever, malaria, and other parasitic infections. “We treat patients who have developed an infection as a result of health care, such as infections that occur after surgery,” explains Dr. Emmanuel. “We also treat patients who have infections due to a weakened immune system such as after organ transplantation or chemotherapy.”

Dr. Emmanuel adds: “One of our patients recently told us that he was initially hesitant to visit the Division of Tropical and Infectious Diseases, however after attending, he felt reassured and that he was part of our family. According to him, unlike other infectious diseases clinics he had been to, he was comfortable to discuss anything with us and had confidence that we had the expert knowledge to look after him. He was grateful that we explained things to him in a way that he could understand and involved him in his care. He is now doing very well and has returned to normal life at work and with his family.

“We appreciate that people may not always be comfortable about seeing infectious diseases health care professionals because they fear the stigma or judgement, particularly if they have an ailment that they don’t want to talk about. This is why we place such an important emphasis on safeguarding our patient’s privacy and confidentiality, as well as providing a highly personalized service for them,” continues Dr. Emmanuel.

Physicians warn that there is also a real cost to delaying treatment. Patients often experience complications from an infection, making it more difficult to treat. It is also important to note that treatment may also work as prevention for other family and community members. There is also a focus on the prevention of infections through interventions such as early treatment, vaccination, and lifestyle changes.

People are encouraged to visit SSMC’s Division of Tropical and Infectious Diseases if they are concerned about symptoms that suggest they may have an infection or are at risk of infections because of travel, their daily activities, or a weakened immune system. Experts are available to work with patients, look after them, answer questions and safeguard their confidentially.

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About Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City (SSMC)

Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City (SSMC) is a joint venture between Abu Dhabi Health Services Company (SEHA), the UAE’s largest healthcare network, and Mayo Clinic, a non-profit global leader in medical care, education and research headquartered in the United States of America. Established in 2019, SSMC is the largest tertiary hospital in the UAE and serves to elevate the provision of healthcare services in the nation under the mandate of the Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030.

Supported by the latest diagnostic and treatment modalities available, SSMC offers care in 24 specialties. A team of locally and internationally trained physicians and allied health staff work seamlessly together, which promotes comprehensive interdisciplinary learning, allowing SSMC to become a leading hub for integrated patient-centric medical services in the region.

As the region’s leading tertiary facility, SSMC has 742 patient beds, 18 operating theatres and includes a hybrid operating room, a 26-bed neonatal intensive care unit and the UAE’s largest pathology lab.

For more information on Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City or to book an appointment, visit https://ssmcabudhabi.ae/.

About SEHA

The Abu Dhabi Health Services Company PJSC–SEHA – is an independent, public joint stock company created to develop the curative activities of the public healthcare system in Abu Dhabi. The company owns and operates all the public hospitals and clinics of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.

SEHA is part of ADQ, one of the region’s largest holding companies with a broad portfolio of major enterprises spanning key sectors of Abu Dhabi’s diversified economy.

SEHA is committed to continuous improvement of customer care to recognized international standards and providing the community with world-class healthcare. SEHA operates 13 hospitals with 3,385 beds, 70 ambulatory care, family care and urgent care centers and 2 blood banks. Its facilities accommodate 117,162 inpatients annually and conduct 43,262 surgeries, as well as treating more than five million outpatients. SEHA is one of the largest integrated healthcare providers in the Middle East with more than 18,000 doctors, nurses, ancillary care, and administrative personnel. Learn more at www.seha.ae.

About Mayo Clinic

Mayo Clinic is a nonprofit organization committed to innovation in clinical practice, education and research, and providing compassion, expertise and answers to everyone who needs healing. Visit the Mayo Clinic News Network for additional Mayo Clinic news and Mayo Clinic Facts for more information about Mayo.

For media inquiries, please contact:
Salma Chalak  
Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City  
Email: o-schalak@seha.ae  
Fadya Al Kathairi  
Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City  
Email: falkathairi@seha.ae