The UAE has launched ECZPLORE, a national campaign to raise awareness about eczema in children. Spearheaded by the Emirates Dermatology Society and Jamjoom Pharma, the initiative aims to educate families, improve care, and support over a million people affected by this chronic skin condition.
In a landmark move to improve pediatric dermatological health, the United Arab Emirates has unveiled ECZPLORE, a nationwide campaign aimed at increasing awareness, educating families, and improving the standard of care for children suffering from eczema — a common yet often misunderstood inflammatory skin condition.
Launched through a strategic collaboration between the Emirates Dermatology Society (EDS) and Jamjoom Pharma, ECZPLORE represents a progressive public-private partnership that brings together the country’s top medical expertise and pharmaceutical resources to address the growing incidence and impact of eczema among children.
Table of contents [Show]
Medically referred to as atopic dermatitis, eczema is a chronic condition that manifests as dry, itchy, red, and inflamed skin. Although it can affect people of all ages, children are particularly vulnerable. In the UAE, current estimates suggest that more than 20% of children are diagnosed with some form of eczema, with over 15% experiencing moderate to severe symptoms.
“Eczema is more than just a skin issue,” said Dr Ayman Al Naeem, President of the Emirates Dermatology Society. “It impacts children's sleep, school attendance, emotional well-being, and overall quality of life. Parents also suffer, experiencing stress, anxiety, and sleepless nights.”
This campaign aims to shift public perception of eczema from a minor irritation to a serious health challenge that requires proper medical attention, awareness, and community support.
The ECZPLORE campaign reflects a new era of healthcare collaboration in the UAE. Jamjoom Pharma, a leading pharmaceutical company in the region, is providing financial and logistical support, while the Emirates Dermatology Society brings in clinical knowledge, data, and community outreach.
“This partnership serves as a new model for healthcare collaboration in the UAE,” said Dr Fatima Alberiki, Head of the Scientific Committee at EDS. “It merges the scientific authority of our dermatological experts with the resources of the private sector to achieve real impact. ECZPLORE is a turning point in the fight against eczema.”
In addition to eczema, the campaign also plans to raise awareness about fungal skin infections, another often-overlooked condition in the region’s dermatology landscape. According to EDS, the humid climate and lifestyle conditions in the UAE make residents particularly prone to such infections, yet many cases go undiagnosed or untreated.
At the heart of the ECZPLORE campaign is education. The initiative aims to reach over one million residents across the UAE through a blend of online and community-based programs.
Educational materials will be specially designed for families and children, explaining the condition in simple terms and offering practical advice for daily management. Topics will include skincare routines, common triggers, treatment options, and tips for reducing flare-ups. These resources will be distributed in both digital and printed formats, and will be available in multiple languages, including Arabic, English, Urdu, and Malayalam, to ensure accessibility for all communities in the UAE.
ECZPLORE will also include training modules for healthcare professionals, such as dermatologists and primary care physicians, with the goal of enhancing early diagnosis and treatment protocols. The initiative will work closely with hospitals, schools, and community centers to organize workshops, medical check-ups, and interactive awareness sessions.
One of the key goals of ECZPLORE is to destigmatize eczema and promote empathy in schools and social settings. Many children with eczema face bullying, social exclusion, or embarrassment due to visible symptoms.
“We want teachers, classmates, and the general public to understand what eczema really is,” said Dr. Alberiki. “It’s not contagious. It’s not caused by poor hygiene. It’s a medical condition that requires care, not judgment.”
The campaign also emphasizes the emotional toll eczema can take on children and their families. Through support groups, counseling resources, and community engagement, ECZPLORE hopes to offer emotional relief alongside medical support.
The ECZPLORE initiative aligns closely with the UAE government’s broader vision for holistic child health and well-being. Recent national policies have placed increasing emphasis on mental health, early intervention, and preventive care — all of which are central to the ECZPLORE mission.
By tackling eczema and fungal skin infections with this integrated approach, UAE authorities hope to set a precedent for similar public health campaigns in the future, covering issues such as pediatric asthma, allergies, and nutrition.
While ECZPLORE is still in its early stages, the momentum behind the campaign is growing. Already, several hospitals and schools have signed up to host awareness sessions, and a social media campaign is underway to share real stories from families dealing with eczema.
“This is just the beginning,” said Dr. Al Naeem. “With collective effort, we can transform the experience of thousands of children and parents in the UAE and create a future where eczema is managed with confidence, compassion, and knowledge.”
The campaign is expected to run throughout the 2025–2026 academic year, with potential for expansion based on its success.
Source : Gulf Today
