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IFPA and WHO Foundation Collaboration

The International Federation of Psoriasis Associations (IFPA) has taken a significant step in addressing psoriasis care globally by entering into a multi-year collaborative agreement with the World Health Organization (WHO) Foundation. This partnership's objective is to enhance the understanding, diagnosis, and treatment of psoriasis—a chronic, non-communicable skin condition that affects millions around the world.

With over 100 million individuals affected by psoriasis, the disease has profound implications not only on physical health but also on emotional and financial well-being. Despite its far-reaching impact, psoriasis remains one of the most poorly understood and neglected conditions in global health. According to data from the Global Psoriasis Atlas, only 20% of countries currently have epidemiological data on psoriasis, which has hindered timely diagnosis and access to care for many individuals.

The agreement between IFPA and WHO represents a vital commitment toward improving the landscape of psoriasis care. It focuses on strengthening knowledge, updating policy tools, and enhancing access to diagnostic and therapeutic services. Frida Dunger, Executive Director of the IFPA, emphasized the critical nature of this partnership, stating, "This agreement with the WHO Foundation is a pivotal moment for the IFPA and the global psoriasis community. We are excited to combine our efforts with the WHO’s global health leadership to create a meaningful impact."

Beyond improving clinical outcomes, the collaboration aims to tackle the stigma and discrimination that many patients face, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where access to proper diagnosis and treatment remains scarce. An alarming statistic reveals that over 80% of people with psoriasis encounter stigma, resulting in significant mental health difficulties, such as anxiety and depression, and limiting their career and education opportunities.

The partnership will leverage previous initiatives like the 2014 psoriasis resolution and the 2016 global report on psoriasis. Given that more than ten years have passed since those pivotal documents were published, an update is crucial. The collaboration will work on revising the global psoriasis report, incorporating new prevalence data, recent scientific advancements, and evolving treatment modalities.

Recent research has illuminated the systemic nature of psoriasis and its associations with severe health problems, prompting the need for more comprehensive health policies and interventions. Key priorities of this collaboration include:

• - Sharing evidence-based guidelines and policy recommendations with member states
• - Developing AI-driven diagnostic tools for earlier and more accurate detection, especially in low-resource settings
• - Training healthcare professionals to better recognize and manage the disease

Furthermore, efforts will be made to position psoriasis within the broader discussions of chronic diseases and mental health to ensure that those affected are not left behind.

Founded in 1971, the IFPA is a leading organization advocating for individuals affected by psoriatic disease, unifying national and regional associations across the globe and representing more than 60 million people. Through global coalitions and observance initiatives like World Psoriasis Day, the IFPA continues to champion systemic changes in healthcare that inclusively address the needs of psoriasis patients.

The WHO Foundation, independent and headquartered in Geneva, was established in 2020 to bolster the WHO's mission by mobilizing philanthropic investments and catalyzing partnerships to advance health equity and address urgent health challenges.

In conclusion, the collaboration between the IFPA and WHO Foundation signifies a landmark moment for psoriasis care worldwide, setting the stage for a robust response to one of health’s most urgent needs. Through data strengthening, policy guidance, and access enhancement, this partnership promises to improve lives and health outcomes for those living with psoriasis across the globe.