#None #Psoriasis #WHO Foundation #IFPA

Strengthening Global Psoriasis Care through Strategic Collaboration

The International Federation of Psoriasis Associations (IFPA) and the World Health Organization (WHO) Foundation have officially partnered to enhance global efforts in diagnosing and treating psoriasis. This strategic collaboration aims to significantly improve the health outcomes for the more than 100 million people worldwide living with this chronic condition.

Psoriasis is a non-communicable disease that affects the skin and has profound implications on patients' physical, emotional, and economic well-being. It is often linked to other serious conditions such as depression, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and obesity. Despite its widespread impact, psoriasis is one of the least understood health conditions globally, with a staggering statistic that only about 20% of countries have reliable epidemiological data. This deficiency in data contributes to delayed diagnosis and unequal access to healthcare, further exacerbating the challenges for the affected individuals.

Anil Soni, CEO of the WHO Foundation, alongside Frida Dunger, Executive Director of the IFPA, emphasized the importance of this collaboration at a recent announcement. "The agreement signifies a pivotal moment for the IFPA and the global psoriasis community. By joining forces with the WHO, we aim to leverage their global health leadership to raise awareness and improve services so that individuals with psoriasis can lead the lives they aspire to," said Dunger.

The impact of psoriasis is profound: over 80% of individuals with the condition face stigma and discrimination. Nearly half experience anxiety, while one in three report avoiding professional or educational opportunities due to their health issues.

The collaboration outlines several key areas of focus:

• - Strengthening Evidence: A new emphasis will be placed on gathering reliable data and updating documentation on psoriasis, especially reviewing the Global Psoriasis Atlas and the World Psoriasis Report.
• - AI-Driven Diagnostic Tools: The partners aim to develop artificial intelligence-based tools to promote early and accurate detection, particularly in under-resourced settings.
• - Healthcare Provider Training: Fostering better understanding and management of psoriasis among healthcare professionals is vital for improving patient outcomes.
• - Global Health Integration: This initiative seeks to ensure that psoriasis is part of a broader conversation regarding chronic diseases and mental health.

This multifaceted approach reflects an urgent need to raise awareness and improve understanding of psoriasis as a serious health issue. Recognizing its systemic nature and its connections with other severe health conditions will also elevate its status within health policy discussions.

The collaboration will also draw upon previous key resolutions adopted in 2014 and the publication of the Global Report on Psoriasis in 2016, which was instrumental in placing psoriasis onto the global health agenda. Given the rapid advancements in treatment and research since then, an updated report that incorporates new prevalence data, scientific breakthroughs, and therapeutic developments is essential.

As both organizations embark on this initiative, they recognize the need for an inclusive approach that ensures all individuals with psoriasis have access to the resources and support they need. Through joint efforts, they hope to eliminate the barriers that currently exist and empower those living with psoriasis to advocate for their health actively.

The IFPA was founded in 1971 and is headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden. It has been a leading advocate for individuals affected by psoriasis, representing over 60 million people globally through national and regional patient associations. The IFPA's mission is clear: to redefine the understanding and treatment of psoriasis to strengthen health systems and improve quality of life for those affected.

Similarly, the WHO Foundation, established in 2020, focuses on mobilizing philanthropic capital and forging strategic partnerships to promote health equity and tackle urgent health challenges. By connecting various stakeholders, it seeks to amplify effective solutions and drive lasting change toward universal health for all.

In conclusion, the partnership between the IFPA and the WHO Foundation marks a significant advancement in global health, aiming not only to address the needs of those affected by psoriasis but to reshape the broader narrative around skin health and its implications on overall well-being.