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Psoriasis Takes Center Stage at UN General Assembly

The ongoing fight against psoriasis is set to gain new momentum at the upcoming UN General Assembly (UNGA 80). The International Federation of Psoriasis Associations (IFPA) is making significant efforts to bring attention to this chronic disease, impacting an estimated 60 million people globally. Psoriasis is not just a skin condition; it is a systemic inflammatory disorder that can complicate other non-communicable diseases (NCDs), such as diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular diseases, and depression.

Despite being recognized as a major public health issue by the World Health Organization (WHO) back in 2014, advancements in policy and healthcare for those affected by psoriasis have been slow. The IFPA is advocating for renewed global commitment to ensure that the needs of individuals with psoriasis are not overlooked in health agendas at both international and national levels.

At the forefront of this advocacy, IFPA representatives will attend the high-level UN conference on NCDs scheduled for September 25 at the UN Headquarters in New York. This pivotal event aims to shape the future of NCD prevention and care, and the IFPA is seizing the opportunity to push for more inclusive healthcare policies, enhanced access to treatments, and a stronger acknowledgment of psoriasis within the broader agenda for NCDs.

In support of their campaign, the IFPA is organizing a high-level discussion titled “Put the Lived Experience of Psoriasis and NCDs at the Center of Policy Making,” which will take place on September 22 in partnership with Devex at the NCD Pavilion in New York. Featured speakers will include Frida Dunger, Executive Director of the IFPA, and Kate Reynolds, an IFPA ambassador who lives with psoriasis. They will emphasize the importance of centering lived experiences in global health policy, arguing that the voices of those affected by psoriasis must be included in decisions that affect their lives.

As Kate Reynolds points out, “People living with psoriasis are more than just a condition; we are whole beings, and we deserve to live our best lives just like everyone else. I am traveling to New York to speak about psoriasis because there should be no decisions made about us, without us.” This sentiment underlines the need for inclusive health policies as non-negotiable, ensuring that the more than 60 million individuals living with psoriasis worldwide are not left behind.

The IFPA was established in 1971 and is headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden. It aims to represent the global community affected by psoriasis, comprising national and regional patient organizations. Through initiatives such as global coalitions, World Psoriasis Day campaigns, and forums, the IFPA is redefining psoriasis as central to stronger, more inclusive health systems.

As the UN General Assembly approaches, all eyes will be on how psoriasis will be incorporated into the ongoing discussions regarding NCDs. The IFPA is calling for immediate actions and policies that recognize the challenges faced by individuals with psoriasis to help integrate these needs into health services globally.

For individuals following the fight against psoriasis and those interested in these discussions, further information on the UNGA event and how to participate can be found at Devex’s registration page.

The need for robust policies addressing psoriasis can no longer be sidelined in health forums, and the IFPA’s efforts aim to bring this issue into the spotlight.

Conclusion

With the UNGA’s pivotal role in shaping international health policies, the representation and advocacy for psoriasis are crucial to ensure that millions of voices are heard and that health decisions lead to meaningful improvements for those affected by this complex condition. The message is clear: psoriasis deserves recognition and action on the global stage, as all individuals living with it strive for a better quality of life.