Oct. 29, 2021 is Word Psoriasis Day

Today is World Psoriasis Day, and the International Federation of Psoriasis Associations (IFPA) is launching a global petition to demand progress.

In 2014, all UN nations unanimously voted to approve the Resolution on Psoriasis (WHA 67.9), committing to improve the lives of everyone living with psoriatic disease. Practical recommendations on how to achieve this ambitious goal were published in the World Health Organization Global Report on Psoriasis in 2016. Then progress stalled. More than five years after these milestones, the needs are still not met.

 "We are tired of promises. We demand progress," says Janina Kostiukaite, World Psoriasis Day Coordinator, in a news release.  "The countries that voted to approve the Resolution on Psoriasis must deliver on their commitments."

IFPA's World Psoriasis Day Petition highlights five core demands.

• Change perception of psoriatic disease
• Ensure equal access to medicine
• Stop stigma
• Advance holistic care
• Prepare the workforce

IFPA has an ambitious target to gather 200,000 signatures by the close of 2021. These endorsements will be used to advocate for better psoriatic disease care at the national level. Frida Dunger Johnsson, Executive Director of IFPA, says, "World Psoriasis Day is a powerful opportunity to mobilize advocacy all around the world. By coming together, we can call on health ministers, governments, and decision-makers to improve access to treatment. United, we can ensure that people living with psoriatic disease are supported."

Express your support. Sign the World Psoriasis Day Petition at psoriasisday.org.