Raising Global Awareness for Arthritis: Today is World Arthritis Day

12 October marks World Arthritis Day. Established by Arthritis and Rheumatism International (ARI) in 1996, this global initiative aims to raise awareness of rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs) and wants to influence public policy on these conditions. Each year, people living with RMDs as well as their caregivers can also learn more about the available support networks.

The complex and multifaceted disease group of RMDs is one of the leading causes of disability worldwide. RMDs include more than 200 different conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, gout as well as lupus. All of these diseases can affect people of all ages – both physically and emotionally.

Today, organisations and people affected by RMDs from all around the world come together to advocate for effective treatments, early detection of often invisible diseases and to inform about the benefits of adopting a healthy lifestyle. This year’s World Arthritis Day specifically focuses on the effects of COVID-19 on people suffering from RMDs.

Rheumatoid arthritis is one of seven diseases in the focus of the 3TR project. The 3TR research teams will analyse and compare this disease alongside and together with six other immune-mediated diseases with the ultimate aim to improve treatment responses.

The 3TR consortium is proud to support the call for global awareness of RMDs. Follow us on Twitter @3TR_IMI and learn more under #WorldArthritisDay