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Muscular Dystrophy Association

The Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) provides support and care for individuals affected by muscular dystrophy, a genetic disease that causes the progressive loss of use of certain or all muscles, depending on the type of myopathy.

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Services offered

The Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA), partly funded by generous sponsors and donors, provides the following services to its beneficiaries:

  • Medical equipment for optimal quality of life including wheelchairs, motorized beds, respiratory devices, and shower chairs.
  • Annual multidisciplinary assessment to allow for regular monitoring of disease progression and ensures the best possible treatment.
  • Weekly home physiotherapy sessions to manage symptoms and improve mobility.
  • Psychosocial support to offer emotional and psychological assistance to individuals and their families.
  • Information sharing to update families on the disease and the latest global advancements.
  • Annual Outings to promote socialisation and sharing among members.

 

Beneficiaries: The association currently supports 59 individuals aged 8 to 60.

History

The Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) was founded by parents of children affected by neuromuscular diseases and was officially registered with the Registrar of Associations (registration number 7491) in June 2003.

 

MDA is a unique non-profit and charitable organisation dedicated to providing medical and social support to individuals with muscular dystrophy and their families.

Objectives
  • To enable individuals with neuromuscular diseases to have the best possible quality of life.
  • To establish an early diagnosis to implement the best possible treatment.
  • To supply essential medical equipment.
  • To educate and support families about the disease.
  • To train doctors and paramedical professionals to detect neuromuscular diseases and provide adequate care.
  • To provide psychosocial support to families.
  • To increase general public awareness of disabilities and neuromuscular diseases in particular.
  • To ensure that individuals with neuromuscular diseases have access to the same rights as all Mauritian citizens, particularly in education.
Main achievements
  • Visual Identity Change (2020): The MDA revamped its visual identity with the help of Circus to better reflect its vision of providing the best possible quality of life for individuals with neuromuscular diseases by ensuring synergy between different stakeholders.
  • Office Relocation: The MDA relocated its offices to Nouvelle Usine, Floréal. The new offices are wheelchair accessible, feature ample parking, are located 100 meters from the metro, and offer a warm atmosphere.
  • Partnership with C-Care Wellkin: MDA has established a privileged partnership with C-Care Wellkin, where beneficiaries undergo a multidisciplinary assessment. This includes consultations with paediatricians, pulmonologists, cardiologists, orthopaedic surgeons, spirometry tests to measure lung capacity, scoliosis monitoring through X-rays, and electrocardiograms for regular and tailored follow-ups.
  • Home Therapy Services: MDA has a team of 13 physiotherapists and 3 occupational therapists who provide home consultations once or twice a week as needed. This service minimises the need for beneficiaries to travel and ensures optimal care.
  • Ambassador Tina Staub: Tina Staub, an ultra-sporty and big-hearted mother of a child with special needs, serves as the MDA's ambassador. She has significantly increased the association's visibility by raising funds during her swim around Mauritius. The funds raised allowed three young individuals to undergo scoliosis surgery in early 2023. Tina continues to represent and promote MDA, with her next challenge in preparation.
  • New Website Development: A new website is being developed to further increase the MDA's visibility.
Sources of funding
  • NSIF (National Social Inclusion Foundation)
  • Corporate Sponsors
  • Individual Donations