IFPA Advocates for Psoriasis Recognition at UN General Assembly: A Call to Action for Global Health Policies

Psoriasis Disease Highlighted at the UN General Assembly

At the upcoming UN General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, the International Federation of Psoriasis Associations (IFPA) will draw attention to the significant health issue of psoriasis, a chronic and non-contagious disease affecting around 60 million individuals worldwide. This event comes as world leaders prepare to adopt a new political declaration addressing non-communicable diseases (NCDs), mental health, and well-being.

Psoriasis is not just a skin condition; it poses severe risks, including elevated chances of diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular diseases, and depression. Although the World Health Organization (WHO) recognized psoriasis as a serious health threat with a resolution in 2014, progress in addressing this issue has been slow. In light of this, the IFPA is advocating for stronger global commitment to integrate the needs of people living with psoriasis into health policies at both global and national levels.

Representatives from IFPA will be attending the high-level meeting on NCDs to ensure that individuals with psoriasis are included in health frameworks, with a particular emphasis on allowing those afflicted by the disease to participate in shaping policies affecting their health.

The event is scheduled for September 25 at the UN headquarters, bringing together health leaders, experts, and policymakers focused on the future of NCD prevention and care. The IFPA views this meeting as an essential opportunity to push for more inclusive health policies, improved access to care, and greater recognition of psoriasis within the broader NCD agenda.

Additionally, the IFPA is collaborating with Devex to organize a panel discussion titled "Psoriatic Disease and NCDs: Putting Lived Experience at the Heart of Policy" during UNGA. This will take place on September 22 at the NCD Pavilion in Bryant Park, New York. Leading the discussion will be Frida Dunger, Executive Director of IFPA, along with Kate Reynolds, an IFPA ambassador who personally lives with psoriasis. They will share their insights about the importance of including voices of those living with psoriasis in global health discussions.

Kate Reynolds expressed her commitment, stating, "We, people living with psoriasis, are more than our diagnosis — we are whole individuals who desire to live our best lives like everyone else. I am traveling to New York to speak about psoriasis at this event because I firmly believe that no decisions should be made about us without us."

Similarly, Frida Dunger emphasized the urgency of inclusive health policies, noting that it is vital for the 60 million individuals worldwide living with psoriasis to not be left behind in health initiatives.

The IFPA, a global umbrella organization for national and regional psoriasis associations established in 1971, is dedicated to improving the quality of life and access to care for those living with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. By bringing together patient organizations from around the world, IFPA strives to advocate for better care, research, education, and awareness regarding psoriasis. The organization also hosts international conferences, such as the World Psoriasis & Psoriatic Arthritis Conference, and collaborates with the WHO and other global stakeholders.

For those interested in more information about the IFPA and its initiatives, you can visit IFPA's official website. This is a crucial time for the advocacy of psoriasis to be elevated on the global health agenda, ensuring that the voices and needs of affected individuals are foremost in health policies worldwide.