On World Arthritis Day, 12 October, people with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases from around the world join together to make their voices heard with the following aims:

- To raise awareness of rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases in all its forms among the medical community, people affected by any such condition and the general public

- To influence public policy by making decision-makers aware of the burden of rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases and the steps which can be taken to ease them

- To ensure all people with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases and their caregivers are aware of the vast support network available to them.