The Nehme and Therese Tohme Multiple Sclerosis Center at the American University of Beirut Medical Center (AUBMC), in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Health, officially announced the launch of the 2025-26 Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Awareness Campaign, marking a significant milestone in its mission to provide cutting-edge care, increase public awareness, and advocate for individuals living with MS across Lebanon.
The campaign was launched at an event attended by Dr. Fadlo R. Khuri, president of the American University of Beirut; Dr. Pierre Anhoury, representing Minister of Public Health Rakan Nassereldine, MD; Minister of Labor Mohammad Haidar, MD; Prof. Samia Khoury, founding director of the Nehme and Therese Tohme Multiple Sclerosis Center and the Abu Haidar Neuroscience Institute at AUBMC; and Roula Douaidy, a leading advocate and founding member of the Friends of MS at AUBMC; in addition to AUBMC dignitaries. The evening brought together healthcare professionals, researchers, community leaders, and supporters to rally behind a shared goal: to improve the lives of people living with MS.
“The Nehme and Therese Tohme Multiple Sclerosis Center at AUBMC is a true center of excellence and the only one of its kind in the MENA region," said Rola Douaidy. “Tonight, is more than a campaign launch; it is the continuation of a promise we made over a decade ago—to stand by every person affected by MS in Lebanon." She highlighted the center's vital role as the only comprehensive MS facility in the MENA region and celebrated the impact of the Friends of MS, which since 2012 has supported patients through fundraising, awareness, and research.
Dr. Samia Khoury reflected on the center's 14-year journey. “Despite challenges ranging from economic crises to medication shortages, our dedicated team remained resilient," she stated. She then highlighted the center's national and regional impact through research, comprehensive care, and collaboration with local and international partners. “We stand here today not only as caregivers, but as educators and advocates for every person living with MS."
Dr. Fadlo R. Khuri expressed the university's unwavering commitment to excellence in healthcare and social responsibility. He acknowledged the collective effort required to sustain such impactful programs, especially during Lebanon's ongoing challenges. “We are very proud of the Nehme and Therese Tohme Multiple Sclerosis Center. It is not just that we are going to light up the center, but we hope to light up the country with a message that these are diseases where we can make a difference and MS has become treatable. But you cannot get treated if you do not know about the disease, if you do not understand it, if all you have is fear of the disease. That is a critical part of the message of the MS center at AUB," he added.
Dr. Pierre Anhoury recognized the importance of collaboration between the public sector, academia, and civil society to improve outcomes for MS patients across Lebanon and conveyed the ministry's full support and ongoing partnership with the MS Center. “Raising awareness and ensuring access to care are national priorities," he affirmed.
The Nehme and Therese Tohme Multiple Sclerosis Center at AUBMC provides holistic, patient-centered care. It has emerged as a regional and national reference for MS treatment, combining state-of-the-art clinical services with interdisciplinary research, public education, and advocacy initiatives. Despite all challenges, the center remains committed to ensuring that no patient is left behind, whether they seek care at AUBMC or through outreach services across Lebanon.