Understanding the Impact of RMDs
Rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs) are among the most prevalent, disabling, burdensome, and costly non-communicable diseases, affecting more than 120 million people of all ages across Europe. While healthcare became a prominent topic of international discussion after the COVID-19 pandemic, RMDs remain largely under-recognised and insufficiently addressed throughout Europe and beyond, despite the significant burden they place on individuals and society.
RMDs comprise more than 200 conditions and are the leading cause of physical disability in Europe, accounting for over 50% of all Years Lived with Disability (YLDs). They include inflammatory diseases such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, Sjögren’s disease, spondyloarthritis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, and gout.
Beyond affecting mobility, independence, and quality of life, RMDs are also associated with serious comorbidities, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer. Greater awareness, earlier diagnosis, and improved access to care can help people manage their condition more effectively and achieve better health outcomes.
Our Campaign Theme: Achieve Your Dreams
Building on the momentum of World Arthritis Day 2025, Achieve Your Dreams continues as the campaign theme for 2026. It celebrates the goals and aspirations of people affected by rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases, while highlighting the changes needed to make them possible, from earlier diagnosis and better access to treatment to greater understanding, inclusion, and support.
Different countries. Different lives. Different dreams.
One shared hope: to achieve them.
Living with an RMD can bring daily challenges, many of which are invisible to others. Pain, fatigue, uncertainty, and concerns about work, family life, and financial security can affect how people live, learn, and thrive. Yet despite these challenges, people continue to set goals and look towards a better future.
At EULAR, we aim to amplify their voices and bring patients, healthcare professionals, researchers, advocates, and policymakers together. By sharing experiences and working together, we can help turn hopes into action and build a future where everyone has the opportunity to achieve their dreams.
Dreams and Aspirations from the EULAR PAED, HPR and EMEUNET Communities
Healthcare professionals and researchers are also working towards a better future. They envision earlier diagnosis, more effective and personalised treatments, a world where children can grow up free from lifelong disease, and societies that are more inclusive and understanding of people affected by RMDs.
As part of the Achieve Your Dreams campaign, members of the EULAR PAED, HPR and EMEUNET communities have shared what they hope to see in the future of RMD care. Discover the ideas and ambitions that inspire their work.
Our WAD 2026 Activities
World Arthritis Day is celebrated on 12 October, and we are preparing a range of activities to raise awareness and empower people living with RMDs to pursue their goals, overcome challenges, and share their aspirations.
WAD 2026 Webinar
Save the date for a powerful conversation between EULAR PARE, EULAR EMEUNET, and patient organisations about the dreams, ambitions, and challenges of people living with RMDs, and the support that can help them achieve what matters most.
Thursday, 15 October, 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm CEST.
WAD 2026 Podcast
Stay tuned for the launch of our 2026 podcast, “Achieve Your Dreams”, where members of EULAR PARE and EULAR EMEUNET share their challenges, dreams, and visions for the future.
The new episode will be released on 30 September 2026.
WAD 2026 Toolkit
Everything you need for WAD 2026 in one toolkit, including EULAR's campaign guidelines with key messages, social media assets, and the official logo.
WAD 2025
Learn how countries around the world helped raise awareness for World Arthritis Day 2025 through inspiring initiatives.
2025 Activities