The International Federation of Psoriasis Associations gathered experts to discuss the global health issue of psoriasis
More than 125 million people all over the world have psoriasis - a condition that is continuously under-diagnosed and under-treated, leading to needless suffering for many. In conjunction to the 71st meeting of the American Academy of Dermatoloy, the International Federation of Psoriasis Associations, IFPA, hosted a workshop to discuss what the future holds for the global psoriasis community.
(Miami Beach, FL, March 5, 2013)
The workshop, which assembled psoriasis experts and media representatives from all over the world, was aimed at increasing the understanding for the challenges connected to psoriasis, both for the individual patient and for the healthcare providers.
Psoriasis is a serious, inflammatory, noncommunicable disease, associated with an increased risk of developing severe co-morbid conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes and psoriatic arthritis, as well as depression and even suicidal ideation. But yet there is a lack of recognition in many parts of the world for the burden this complex disease incurs on its sufferers.
"In many countries it can be difficult to get access to dermatologists, obtain a correct diagnosis and treatment options may be limited", said Kenneth Gordon, Professor of Dermatology at Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, who spoke at the workshop. "Healthcare professionals, advocacy organizations, and governments need to work together to ensure we are meeting the needs of the patients and their families."
Medical advancements bring hope for the future
Psoriasis is a challenging disease, both to live with and to treat, but the workshop presented some hope for the future for the many millions suffering from psoriasis, as the research into its causes and its treatment has seen much progress over the last two decades. Dr Richard Langley, Director of Research in the Division of Clinical Dermatology & Cutaneous Science at Dalhousie University, presented an overview of the many advanced treatments that have become available only recently, along with an update on the novel small molecule immunomodulatory drugs that are in the pipeline.
"We of course welcome any new, efficient and safe treatments for psoriasis", comments Lars Ettarp, President of IFPA. "No one treatment fits all, as psoriasis is a very complex disease, and it is important that the healthcare professionals have a wide battery of treatments at their disposal."
Psoriasis must be recognized by both global and national health authorities
"Psoriasis can't be cured, yet, but it can be treated", Lars Ettarp continues. "For us it is imperative that both the national and the global health authorities recognize psoriasis as the serious disease it is, and that people with psoriasis get access to the care that they need and deserve. IFPA and its member organizations have campaigned vigorously for this and we are happy to see psoriasis on the agenda for the upcoming 133rd Executive Board meeting of the WHO in May of this year."
View the webcast from the workshop "The Next Frontier for Psoriasis: Advancing Medical Innovation in Care and Treatment to Improve Patient Outcomes" here: http://ifpa.bwtwebstream.com
For more information about IFPA, please contact Barbra Bohannan, Director of Communications, at barbra.bohannan@pso.se or +46 8 522 083 15.
About IFPA
The International Federation of Psoriasis Associations (IFPA) is the non-profit umbrella organization for the majority of psoriasis associations from around the world. Today IFPA has 50 member associations covering all regions of the world. IFPA unites psoriasis associations so that their global campaign for improved medical care, greater public understanding and increased research will improve the lives of the more than 125 million people who live with psoriasis and/or psoriatic arthritis. IFPA is actively campaigning for recognition of psoriasis as a serious, noncommunicable disease by the World Health Organizations' member states.
You can read more about IFPA, our members and our activities on our website www.ifpa-pso.org.
Tags: