IFPA Advocates for Psoriatic Disease Recognition at UN General Assembly Sessions

IFPA Highlights Psoriatic Disease at UNGA 80

The International Federation of Psoriasis Associations (IFPA) is set to prioritize psoriatic disease at the upcoming UN General Assembly (UNGA) 80 in New York. During this pivotal moment, attending global leaders are expected to adopt a new Political Declaration aimed at tackling noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), including crucial mental health initiatives.

Psoriatic disease, affecting around 60 million individuals globally, is a chronic and debilitating condition that impacts the skin, joints, and various body systems. Its link with other serious health issues—such as diabetes, heart disease, obesity, and mental health disorders—highlights an urgent need for increased awareness and action. Despite significant recognition in a 2014 World Health Organization (WHO) resolution that classified psoriasis as a major public health concern, advocacy efforts have been insufficient since then.

IFPA's representatives are attending the UN High-Level Meeting on NCDs scheduled for September 25 to push for the integration of those affected by psoriatic disease into both global and national health strategies. This initiative intends to ensure that the voices and experiences of patients are included at the decision-making table, driving the narrative that individuals living with psoriatic disease should be partners in designing policies that affect their health and lives.

Frida Dunger, Executive Director of IFPA, emphasizes that “inclusive health policy is not optional; it is essential for ensuring that over 60 million people living with psoriatic disease are not left behind.” She further underscores the necessity of incorporating lived experiences into global health policymaking, bringing a personal touch to what is often treated as a statistical matter.

To amplify their message, IFPA is hosting a high-profile discussion titled “Psoriatic Disease and NCDs: Putting Lived Experience at the Heart of Policy” on the sidelines of the UNGA event at the Devex NCD Pavilion on September 22. This session will feature impactful testimonies from leaders within the IFPA, including Dunger and IFPA ambassador Kate Reynolds, who lives with psoriatic disease. Reynolds stressed the importance of representation, stating, “There should be no decisions about us without us.”

This event not only aims to highlight the challenges faced by individuals with psoriatic disease but also to advocate for tailored healthcare solutions that address their unique needs. The IFPA hopes that conveying personal stories will inspire leaders to adopt actionable measures towards improving care and support for this marginalized population.

As the landscape of NCD policy continues to evolve, the call to action from IFPA is clear: to ensure that psoriatic disease is recognized and addressed, providing a better quality of life for the millions affected worldwide. The next steps involve transforming discussions at the UN into concrete strategies that can uplift the needs of those living with psoriatic conditions.

For more details, interested parties can register for the events held during UNGA 80 and follow the developments at IFPA's official website.

Together, advocating for the recognition and support of psoriatic disease at high-level international forums signals a pivotal step towards inclusion and equity in health policy.