English
EspañolWorld Psoriasis Day: giving a global voice to more than 125 million people with psoriasis
Contributed by the International Federation of Psoriasis Associations.
Established in 2004, World Psoriasis Day is a health awareness day which falls annually on 29 October. Conceived by patients for patients, it is a truly global event that sets out to give voice to more than 125 million people with psoriasis and/or psoriatic arthritis all over the world.For the International Federation of Psoriasis Associations (IFPA) and its member associations, World Psoriasis Day is one of the most important vehicles for raising awareness, and disseminating information and education about psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.
It is our belief that by raising awareness about the disease, its associated risk of serious comorbid conditions, and the need for sufficient treatment and care, we can lift the veil of misconception and ignorance, and begin to eliminate stigmatization and discrimination associated with psoriasis. In 2014, WHO Member States adopted Psoriasis Resolution WHA67/VR/9 at the 67th World Health Assembly, which specifically:
“encourages Member States to engage further in advocacy efforts to raise awareness regarding the disease of psoriasis, fighting stigmatization suffered by those with psoriasis, in particular through activities held every year on 29 October in Member States”.
Today, World Psoriasis Day is observed in every world region and has received official national recognition in several countries.
World Psoriasis Day 2015 – Hope. Action. Change.
Each year World Psoriasis Day has a different theme, to highlight different aspects of the disease, or unmet needs of sufferers. The theme for World Psoriasis Day this year is “Hope. Action. Change”, as in “Have Hope. Take Action. Make a Change”. The campaign encourages the use of hashtags #ihopepso, #iactpso and #ichangepso to share messages of hope and action. All social media use of these hashtags will be shared on the World Psoriasis Day “Wall of Hope”, which is a new feature of the World Psoriasis Day website.
We invite all who are interested in participating to contact IFPA to learn more about the messaging and campaign materials. We are happy to share examples of activities.
Help us give millions of people with psoriasis hope for a better future!
