Hello and Welcome to Arthritis Care Foundation.

Events

ACF has been always very active in organising awareness events and seminars to make sure that we reach out to masses for our cause. Our team has been very active to organise various annual events and collaborating with other organisations to spread the cause. 

Here are some of the recent events & news we have: 

PSR Annual Conference

ACF Chair Prof Nighat Mir Ahmad and Co-Chair Prof Sumaira Farman Raja
Co-chair Prof Ahmed Saeed who is the current President of the Pakistan Society for Rheumatology
Speaking at the PSR annual conference held in PC Bhurban last weekend
Part of the commitment to continuous medical education of rheumatologists and fellows in training is raising awareness amongst other healthcare professionals.
Prof. Ahmed Saeed presented ACF registry data on Ankylosing Spondylitis.These departments with collaboration and research and fellowship training support from ACF has proudly presented ten research abstracts, showcasing our commitment to advancing the field of rheumatology.

APLAR Conference 2024

We are delighted to share the remarkable achievements of Arthritis Care Foundation team under the leadership of Prof. Nighat Mir Ahmad, Prof Sumaira Farman Raja and Prof Ahmed Saeed The faculty and fellows of Department of Rheumatology at Central Park Medical College and National Hospital Medical Centre Post graduate institute in the recent Asia Pacific League of Associations for Rheumatology (APLAR) conference held in Singapore from September 20-25 th.
These departments with collaboration and research and fellowship training support from ACF has proudly presented ten research abstracts, showcasing our commitment to advancing the field of rheumatology.

𝐉𝐈𝐀 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐩 𝐀𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐭𝐲: 𝐀 𝐃𝐚𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐇𝐨𝐩𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠

Arthritis Care Foundation hosted an inspiring and heartwarming JIA (Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis) Support Group activity! It was a wonderful opportunity for families and individuals to come together, share their experiences, and find support.
– Engaging in discussions led by our expert speakers, providing valuable insights into managing JIA.
– Fun and creative activities for kids, making the day both educational and entertaining.
– Heartfelt stories of resilience and strength from our community members.
– Informative sessions on the latest research and treatments for JIA.
A big thank you to everyone who participated and made this event a success! Your presence and contributions are what make our community so special. Together, we are stronger.

Lupus Awareness Seminar & Walk at NHMC 2024

Your support and participation made it a truly special event. Together, we raised awareness and showed our solidarity with those affected by lupus. Let’s shine a light on lupus together! Did you know that this autoimmune disease affects millions globally? Yet, there’s still so much to learn and understand. Join us as we come together to raise awareness, offer support, and foster community.

Lupus Awareness Seminar at CPTH 2024

May is Lupus Awareness Month, and it’s time to paint the world purple!  Throughout May, we’ joined forces to raise awareness about lupus, a complex autoimmune disease that affects millions worldwide.
Did you know that lupus can impact anyone, regardless of age, gender, or ethnicity? Yet, it often goes undiagnosed or misunderstood, leading to challenges for those living with the condition.
This month, let’s change that. Let’s educate ourselves and others about lupus, its symptoms, treatments, and the impact it has on individuals and families. Let’s show support for lupus warriors, caregivers, and healthcare professionals who are dedicated to fighting this disease.

Lupus Awareness Seminar

Saturday, 18th May 2024
Crystal Hall, PC Hotel, Lahore
Chief Guest:
Khawaja Imran Nazir
Minister Primary & Secondary Healthcare Punjab
𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐬 𝐟𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐲 𝐋𝐮𝐩𝐮𝐬 𝐏𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐏𝐚𝐤𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧
Encourage lupus patients to become advocates for themselves and others living with the condition. Provide information about patient rights, self-advocacy strategies, and opportunities to get involved in advocacy efforts.

Prof Ahmed Saeed Talk on Tofacitinib

Prof Ahmed Saeed delivering a talk on real world data on tofacitinib a new class of drugs for Rheumatoid arthritis and other rheumatic diseases, in an international conference of Pakistan Society for Internal Medicine held few weeks back in Serena Hotel Islamabad.
Prof. Nighat Mir Ahmad chaired the session and presentation of local research data was very well appreciated.
Such endeavours of Arthritis Care Foundation faculty to generate local data and education of health care professionals will help improving lives of millions of people living with arthritis

𝐅𝐂𝐏𝐒 𝐑𝐡𝐞𝐮𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐲 𝐂𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐌𝐨𝐜𝐤 𝐄𝐱𝐚𝐦

We recently hosted the 𝐅𝐂𝐏𝐒 𝐑𝐡𝐞𝐮𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐲 𝐂𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐌𝐨𝐜𝐤 𝐄𝐱𝐚𝐦 where talented doctors from across the region gathered to hone their skills and share knowledge. It was an inspiring day filled with learning, collaboration, and dedication to advancing arthritis care.

A big thank you to all the participants for their commitment to excellence and continuous improvement in patient care. Together, we’re making strides toward better health outcomes for those affected by arthritis.

Faculty:

Prof. Nighat Mir Ahmad

Prof. Sumaira Farman Raja

Prof. Muhammad Ahmed Saeed

Dr. Saira Elaine Anwer Khan

Dr. M Rafaqat Hameed

Dr. Shabnum Batool

Dr. Yasir Imran

Dr. Bilal Azeem Butt

Dr. Saba Sajad

Dr. Amina Ahmad

Dr. Muhammad Faiq

Dr. Maryam Amer

𝐕𝐞𝐧𝐮𝐞:

ARTHRITIS CARE FOUNDATION

12 – B, New Muslim Town, Opp Bank of Punjab, Near Ayubia Market, Lahore

𝐆𝐥𝐨𝐛𝐚𝐥 𝐑𝐡𝐞𝐮𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐲 𝐄𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐈𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 Day 3

𝐆𝐥𝐨𝐛𝐚𝐥 𝐑𝐡𝐞𝐮𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐲 𝐄𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐈𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞
3rd Annual Meeting 2023
Wednesday 11th, October 2023
at Fatima Jinnah Medical University
𝐆𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐟𝐚𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐲:
𝐃𝐫. 𝐋𝐚𝐮𝐫𝐚 𝐋𝐞𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐨𝐰𝐬𝐤𝐢
Assistant Clinical Investigator
Head, Lupus Genomics and Global Health Disparities Unit (USA)
𝐃𝐫. 𝐒𝐚𝐫𝐟𝐫𝐚𝐳 𝐀. 𝐇𝐚𝐬𝐧𝐢
Staff Clinician
Chief, Lupus Clinical Trials Unit
Director, Lupus Clinical Research Program (USA)
𝐕𝐢𝐜𝐞-𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐫:
Prof. Khalid Masud Gondal
(T.I & Presidential Pride of Performance)
Fatima Jinnah Medical University
𝐀𝐂𝐅 𝐟𝐚𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐲:
Prof. Nighat Mir Ahmad
Prof. Sumaira Farman Raja
Prof. Muhammad Ahmed Saeed

𝐆𝐥𝐨𝐛𝐚𝐥 𝐑𝐡𝐞𝐮𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐲 𝐄𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐈𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 Day 2

3rd Annual Meeting 2023
Tuesday 10th, October 2023
at King Edward Medical University Lahore
𝐏𝐚𝐧𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭:
𝐃𝐫. 𝐋𝐚𝐮𝐫𝐚 𝐋𝐞𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐨𝐰𝐬𝐤𝐢
Assistant Clinical Investigator
Head, Lupus Genomics and Global Health Disparities Unit (USA)
𝐃𝐫. 𝐒𝐚𝐫𝐟𝐫𝐚𝐳 𝐀. 𝐇𝐚𝐬𝐧𝐢
Staff Clinician
Chief, Lupus Clinical Trials Unit
Director, Lupus Clinical Research Program (USA)
𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐟. 𝐃𝐫. 𝐌𝐚𝐡𝐦𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐀𝐲𝐲𝐚𝐳
Vice Chancellor, King Edward Medical University Lahore
𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐟. 𝐃𝐫. 𝐌𝐮𝐡𝐚𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐝 𝐈𝐦𝐫𝐚𝐧
Chair & Dean Faculty of Medicine & Allied, King Edward Medical University
Lahore
𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐟. 𝐍𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐌𝐢𝐫 𝐀𝐡𝐦𝐚𝐝
Chair & Founder Trustee,
Arthritis Care Foundation
𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐟. 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐚 𝐅𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐧 𝐑𝐚𝐣𝐚
Founder Trustee & Co-Chairperson,
Arthritis Care Foundation
𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐟. 𝐌. 𝐀𝐡𝐦𝐞𝐝 𝐒𝐚𝐞𝐞𝐝
Co-Chair, and Founding Board Member,
Arthritis Care Foundation

𝐆𝐥𝐨𝐛𝐚𝐥 𝐑𝐡𝐞𝐮𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐲 𝐄𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐈𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞

3rd Annual Meeting 2023 Monday 9th, October 2023 at Arthritis Care Foundation

𝐆𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐟𝐚𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐲

𝐃𝐫. 𝐋𝐚𝐮𝐫𝐚 𝐋𝐞𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐨𝐰𝐬𝐤𝐢 

Assistant Clinical Investigator

Head, Lupus Genomics and Global Health Disparities Unit (USA)

𝐃𝐫. 𝐒𝐚𝐫𝐟𝐫𝐚𝐳 𝐀. 𝐇𝐚𝐬𝐧𝐢

Staff Clinician

Chief, Lupus Clinical Trials Unit

Director, Lupus Clinical Research Program (USA)

𝐀𝐂𝐅 𝐅𝐚𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐲

𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐟. 𝐍𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐌𝐢𝐫 𝐀𝐡𝐦𝐚𝐝

Chair & Founder Trustee, 

Arthritis Care Foundation

𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐟. 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐚 𝐅𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐧 𝐑𝐚𝐣𝐚

Founder Trustee & Co-Chairperson, 

Arthritis Care Foundation

𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐟. 𝐌. 𝐀𝐡𝐦𝐞𝐝 𝐒𝐚𝐞𝐞𝐝

Co-Chair, and Founding Board Member,

Arthritis Care Foundation

𝐃𝐫. 𝐌. 𝐑𝐚𝐟𝐚𝐪𝐚𝐭 𝐇𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐞𝐝

Assistant Professor

Arthritis Care Foundation

𝐃𝐫. 𝐒𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐚 𝐄𝐥𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐀𝐧𝐰𝐞𝐫 𝐊𝐡𝐚𝐧

Associate Professor

Arthritis Care Foundation

𝐃𝐫. 𝐌𝐮𝐡𝐚𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐝 𝐅𝐚𝐢𝐪

Assistant Professor

Arthritis Care Foundation

𝐀𝐂𝐅 𝐋𝐮𝐩𝐮𝐬 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐩 𝐀𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝟐𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧

𝐋𝐮𝐩𝐮𝐬: Understanding the Chronic Autoimmune Disease

Lupus, officially known as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), is a chronic autoimmune disease that can affect various parts of the body, including joints, skin, kidneys, blood cells, brain, heart, and lungs. In lupus, the immune system, which is supposed to protect the body from infections, instead attacks healthy tissues and organs. This leads to inflammation, pain, and damage in affected areas.

𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝 𝐀𝐫𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐬 𝐃𝐚𝐲 (𝟏𝟐𝐭𝐡 𝐎𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐛𝐞𝐫 2023)

Arthritis is not just a condition; it’s a battle. Let’s fight it with awareness, understanding, and empathy.

Lupus Awareness Walk & Seminar 2023 at Central Park Medical College & Teaching Hospital

During this walk & seminar, we unite as a community to raise awareness about lupus, honor those living with the disease, and celebrate the strength and resilience of individuals who battle lupus every day. Whether you’re a lupus warrior, a caregiver, a family member, or a concerned community member, your presence and support matter greatly.

Lupus is a complex autoimmune disease that affects millions of people worldwide, and we believe it’s time to come together and make a difference.

𝗟𝘂𝗽𝘂𝘀 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗦𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗿 2023

Arranged by Arthritis Care Foundation & Mir Khalil ur Rehman Memorial Society Jang Group of Newspapers and Endorsed by Pakistan Society for Rheumatology
𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗲𝗳 𝗚𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁: Prof. Dr. Javed Akram (Minister of Health Govt. of Punjab)

By raising awareness and understanding about lupus, we hope to empower our community to better support those who are living with the disease.
The seminar has featured a lineup of expert speakers who have shared their knowledge and insights about lupus, including symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and management. Attendees also have the opportunity to ask questions and engage with the speakers.

Certificates of appreciation have been presented to all of our volunteers in recognition of their invaluable contribution in organizing the 𝗟𝘂𝗽𝘂𝘀 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗦𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗿.

Inaugural Ceremony of ACF (Institute of Rheumatic Diseases) at 12-B, New Muslim Town.

The Institute of Rheumatic Diseases, a project by ACF, had its grand inauguration ceremony at 12-B New Muslim Town. We were honored to have Ummer Najeed as our cheif guest and an arthritis patient who has been sponsored by ACF since 2013, as our child star. The event was attended by the core members of ACF team, who have worked tirelessly to make this new clinic a reality.

With advanced healthcare facilities and increased capacity, our aim is to provide quality care to as many underprivileged patients as possible. We believe that everyone deserves access to quality healthcare, and this new clinic is a step towards achieving that goal. At ACF, we are committed to improving the lives of arthritis patients and their families, and we are grateful for the support of our donors and well-wishers who have made this project possible.

World Arthritis Day at Department of Rheumatology, National Hospital & Medical Centre Lahore 2022

Arthritis Care Foundation (ACF) in collaboration with the Department of Rheumatology, National Hospital & Medical Centre Lahore organized an Arthritis Awareness Program to commemorate “World Arthritis Day”. 

The educational seminar was very well received and honoured by Prof. Shahida Khawaja, Prof. Khalid Bashir, Prof. Najam un Nasir, Chair ACF; Prof. Nighat Mir and Co-Chairs ACF; Prof. Sumaira Farman & Prof. Ahmed Saeed, and Lt. Col (R) Dr. Usman Jilani Khan. 

The awareness walk was also organized, which was participated by distinguished faculty members, fellows of Rheumatology Department, Post-graduate trainees of various departments and medical students.

Arthritis Care Foundation is the  first nonprofit organization in Pakistan, dedicated to the prevention, control and cure of the world’s leading cause of disability. 

Join hands with ACF in our fight against disability and the pain.

World Arthritis Day at Department of Rheumatology, Central Park Medical College Lahore 2022

Arthritis Care Foundation (ACF) in collaboration with the Department of Rheumatology, Central Park Medical College Lahore arranged an arthritis awareness walk in connection with  “World Arthritis Day”. The activity was well received and participated by distinguished faculty members, HODs, medical students, fellows in training, patients and the general public.

ACF faculty reiterated the fact that arthritis is an inflammation of the joints. If not treated properly in time, it can cause lifelong disability affecting other organs of the body including lungs, kidneys, skin and heart.

Arthritis Care Foundation is the first nonprofit organization in Pakistan, dedicated to the prevention, control and cure of the world’s leading cause of disability. Join hands with ACF in our fight against disability and the pain.

World Arthritis Day at AFJOG House Garden Town Lahore 2022

In continuation of awareness activities to commemorate World Arthritis Day on October 12, 2022, Arthritis Care Foundation (ACF) organized an educational walk in collaboration with the team of Association of Fatima Jinnah Old Graduates (AFJOG) at AFJOG House Garden Town Lahore.

The awareness walk was well received by distinguished guests including Dr. Muneera Ahmad, Prof Mussarrat Nisar, Prof Nishat Maqsood, Dr Zahida Khwaja, Dr Ghazala Tariq, Dr Shazia Nadeem, Dr Tahira Arshad, and Dr. Tauseef Irfan. The walk was also very well attended by the patients and the general public.

ACF Chair and Co-Chairs addressed the clinical issues of patients and apprised awareness messages for the general public. They emphasized the importance of early diagnosis and proper treatment of rheumatic diseases, which would help in preventing lifelong disability.

INAUGRATION OF LUPUS RESEARCH CENTER AT FATIMA JINNAH MEDICAL UNIVERSITY

A Seminar was held on Lupus Learning Initiative & Lupus Research Launch Quality Healthcare organized by Arthritis Care Foundation & Department of Rheumatology & Medicine Fatima Jinnah Medical University (FJMU), Lahore in the Auditorium, FJMU, Lahore.

President AFJOG, Dr. Muneera Ahmed graced the occasion as Chief Guest.

Vice Chancellor Fatima Jinnah Medical University Prof. Dr. Khalid Masud Gondal welcomed the Chief Guest Dr. Muneera Ahmed.

Paediatric Rheumatologist National Institute of Health USA Dr. Laura Lewandowski, and Dr. Sarfaraz Hasni, from NIH USA Prof. Dr. Nighat Mir Ahmad, Rheumatologist Prof. Muhammad Ahmed Saeed, Rheumatologist Prof. Dr. Samaira Farman Raja and Head of Rheumatology Fatima Jinnah Medical University / Sir Ganga Ram Hospital Dr. Bilal Azeem Butt attended the seminar as Rheumatology Experts.

The main objective of the seminar is to educate awareness about the devastating effects of lupus (also known as Systemic Lupus Erythematosus) and to encourage those people who are fighting this disease around the globe.


World Lupus Day 2022 at Fatima Jinnah Medical University

Arthritis Care Foundation (ACF) in collaboration with the Department of Medicine & Rheumatology, Fatima Jinnah Medical University (FJMU) Lahore organized a Lupus Awareness Program to commemorate “World Lupus Day”. The educational seminar was very well received and honoured by VC FJMU, participated by distinguished guests including HODs, faculty members, medical students and trainee fellows.
Lupus is a disease that occurs when the body’s immune system attacks its own tissues and organs (autoimmune disease). Inflammation caused by lupus can affect many different body systems — including your joints, skin, kidneys, blood cells, brain, heart and lungs.
 

World Lupus Day 2022 at Central Park Medical Collage

Arthritis Care Foundation (ACF) in collaboration with the Department of Rheumatology, Central Park Medical College Lahore organized a ceremony in connection with “World Lupus Day”. The event was attended by Faculty members, medical students and patients. All participants reiterated their commitment in fight against disability, illness and pain

Arthritis awareness seminar 2021

Organised at Governor House Punjab (21 November 2021) Arthritis Care Foundation (ACF) has always been active in raising awareness about rheumatic diseases. The Governor of Punjab Chaudhry Muhammad Sarwar honoured the occasion as Chief Guest. Also among the special guests at the event were the Vice-Chancellors (VCs) of UHS, KEMU, SIMS and FJMU, and distinguished board members and donors of the ACF The Governor of Punjab Chaudhry Muhammad Sarwar heartily appreciated the efforts of Arthritis Care Foundation & presented souvenirs (Awards of Excellence & Awards of Appreciation) to distinguished guests including ACF board members and donors/supporters.

World Arthritis Day 2021 at Central Park Medical Collage

Arthritis Care Foundation (ACF) in collaboration with the Department of Rheumatology, Central Park Medical College Lahore arranged an arthritis awareness walk to commemorate “World Arthritis Day”. The walk was well received and participated by distinguished faculty members, medical students, fellows and the general public. The walk was followed by a dedicated free Rheumatology Camp at Central Park Teaching Hospital, Lahore.
 

Publications