Oct. 29 has been designated World Psoriasis Day, and this year’s theme is ‘Breaking Barriers,’ according to the International Federation of Psoriasis Associations (IFPA).
Why “Breaking Barriers”?
The IFPA, the primary promoters of World Psoriasis Day, note in a press release that patients with psoriasis often struggle to get the correct diagnosis, and even when diagnosed with psoriasis effective treatment and care may be unavailable or unaffordable.
Barriers are present in the community as well, with sick days impairing professional or educational careers, and stigma and discrimination can make getting support challenging.
“Over the past years, a lot has happened in the field of global psoriasis advocacy,” Lars Ettarp, President of IFPA said in the release. “The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially recognized psoriasis as a severe, chronic inflammatory disease through a groundbreaking resolution and Global Report on Psoriasis. IFPA members have also succeeded in forging active partnerships with national health authorities. This means we are better equipped than ever to make a difference for people with psoriasis.”
He continued: “But we want to take things to the next level. On World Psoriasis Day, we want to fight prejudice, stigmatization, and discrimination to raise more awareness, understanding, and hope. By breaking down barriers, we help people with psoriasis gain access to diagnosis, treatment, and improved life quality.”
IFPA member societies around the world are organizing activities for the day including awareness walks, free health screenings, and educational activities such as lectures and conferences.
On Social Media
To support World Psoriasis Day, the IFPA is promoting the Twitter hastags #WPD16 and #breakbarriers. The campaign film “Breaking Barriers” can also be shared on Facebook, and is available with Mandarin, Cantonese, French, or Spanish subtitles.
More information on the day is available at the website www.worldpsoriasisday.com