Reasons for commemorating World Arthritis Day
World Arthritis Day is celebrated every October to make government leaders, medical personnel and the general public aware of the symptoms of arthritic diseases and the support available to those who suffer from them.
WORLD Arthritis Day (WAD) is celebrated every year on October 12 to spread awareness about the existence and impact of rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMD).
Arthritis is not a single disease but a broad term for more than a hundred diseases related to joints, according to the European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR).
The WAD 2022 campaign is focused on understanding the issues that diverse audiences have in the field of rheumatology, such as a shrinking medical workforce, long waiting times for appointments, or a lack of understanding of RMDs among governmental decision-makers.
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EULAR reveals that World Arthritis Day was established in 1996 by Arthritis and Rheumatism International (ARI), and it is celebrated each year on October 12.
“Too many people with an RMD remain undiagnosed in the EU alone – an estimated one hundred million are currently undiagnosed and trying to cope with symptoms that are often overlooked and frequently misdiagnosed. A large part of the world’s population is affected by diseases that impact their quality of life and participation in society, including access to the world of work,” EULAR states.
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EULAR alludes that an inability to work reduces the self-esteem of an individual and increases their dependency on state welfare, the healthcare system and their family and friends. “People living with an RMD are therefore left unaware of their symptoms and the opportunities for diagnosis and treatment, as well as the way to develop and execute a career plan to achieve independence,” it added.
People with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases from around the world can join together to make their voices heard on this day.
The aims of World Arthritis Day are:
- To raise awareness of RMDs amongst the medical community, people with RMDs and the general public.
- To influence public policy by helping decision-makers be aware of the burden of RMDs and the steps that can be utilised to ease the effects of the disease.
- To ensure all people with RMDs and their caregivers are aware of the vast support network available to them.
