At least 60 million people live with psoriatic disease worldwide. Every year, on October 29th, the International Federation of Psoriasis Associations (IFPA) mobilises World Psoriasis Day to raise awareness of this debilitating disease and its escalating effects. This year, the psoriatic disease community goes a step further, uniting for action against psoriatic disease.

World Psoriasis Day is a powerful opportunity to mobilise advocacy for a shared theme and goal. UNITED we:

• Raise global awareness of psoriatic disease and the effect it has on an individual’s life
• Spread information, dispel common misconceptions and answer questions
• Empower ministers, governments, and decision-makers to step up their efforts to provide better access to treatment and care
• Join forces with people living with psoriatic disease for advocacy and knowledge exchange

For World Psoriasis Day 2021, IFPA is leading a campaign for targeted action to fight psoriatic disease.

In 2014, all UN nations unanimously voted to approve World Health Assembly resolution 67.9, committing to improve the lives of people living with psoriatic disease. Practical recommendations on how to achieve this ambitious goal were published in the World Health Organization Global Report on Psoriasis in 2016. However, more than five years after these milestones, much is left to be done.

We are tired of promises. We demand progress.

This year, sign the petition!

For World Psoriasis Day 2021, the psoriatic disease community is mobilising a petition at www.psoriasisday.org. Those who sign the petition add their voice to millions insisting on greater support for people living with psoriatic disease, everywhere. Together, we demand:

1. Change perception of psoriatic disease: Psoriatic disease affects the whole body, inside and out. Health systems must strive to address all the manifestations of psoriatic disease, including skin, joints, mental health, heart health, and metabolic syndrome. 

2. Ensure equal access to medicine: UN Member States must make affordable, safe, effective, and quality treatment options available to everyone with psoriatic disease. Early diagnosis and appropriate therapies will prevent unnecessary complications and even reduce the burden on the health system.

3. Stop stigma: Governments play a key role in reducing stigma and discrimination. Anti-discrimination legislation and awareness campaigns can change society’s response to visible psoriasis lesions.

4. Advance holistic care: In addition to shifting to a model of people-centered, multidisciplinary care, health systems can do a better job of monitoring the efficacy of care and researching solutions.

5. Prepare the workforce: Education on psoriasis and its comorbidities should be included in undergraduate medical and nursing curricula, as well as in primary health care training. Trained professionals will be empowered to increase early diagnoses and coordinate specialist care.

The World Psoriasis Day petition enables national and regional advocates to insist on local implementation of WHO recommendations. It represents an empowering call-to-action to deliver on the promises made. It unites diverse stakeholders with a personal commitment for shared goal. With the help of your signature, we can achieve breakthroughs for everyone living with psoriatic disease.

UNITY begins with a YOU.

If not you, then who? There are many ways to support psoriatic disease community, and signing the petition is only one of them. Feature your WPD activity on the global map. Create inspiring social media messages using IFPA’s image generator. Any action you take, brings us closer to our vision of a future where all people living with psoriatic disease enjoy good health and wellbeing, free from stigma and preventable disability and comorbidities. For more information, visit www.psoriasisday.org

About the author

Janina Kostiukaite supports IFPA operations through project development, oversight of the annual World Psoriasis Day campaign, development of internal structures and processes, and sustainability efforts for IFPA's long-term development. Janina holds a Master of Global Health, with special training in Medical Peace Work and eHealth.