World Arthritis Day (WAD) is a global awareness day aimed towards increasing knowledge of the existence and impact of rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs) among all audiences. As the alliance of associations representing people with arthritis or other forms of musculoskeletal or rheumatic conditions, health professionals in rheumatology (HPR), and scientific societies of rheumatology in Europe, EULAR considers WAD an integral part of our efforts to promote scientific research, medical education, and awareness of RMDs.
Why are RMDs important?
RMDs are among the most prevalent, disabling, burdensome, and costly non-communicable diseases, and this hidden crisis impacts the lives of over 120 million people of all ages in Europe alone. While healthcare has become a very visible topic of international discussion due to the COVID-19 pandemic, RMDs remain largely unknown and unaddressed throughout Europe and beyond, despite their seriousness and prevalence.
Informed Choices, Better Outcomes
World Arthritis Day 2024 is focused on access to information, which is particularly relevant in today’s rapidly evolving digital world where people living with RMDs face an overwhelming amount of information to digest. While having access to information is empowering, the sheer volume—coupled with an increasing amount of incorrect or misleading information—can make it challenging to find accurate and trustworthy guidance. The goal is to help people living with RMDs make evidence-informed choices in partnership with their healthcare professionals to improve their overall health and quality of life.
Webinar
Watch our webinar “Informed Choices, Better Outcomes”.
Discover how accessing reliable, evidence-based information can empower people living with RMDs to make informed decisions alongside their healthcare professionals, leading to improved health and well-being.
Podcast
Listen to the podcast where Mr. Peter Boyd (PARE), Dr. Sarah Bennett (HPR) and Dr. Jordi Anton (PAED) discuss from various perspective why information to patients and shared- decision making is crucial in Rheumatology.
Access to RMD information - Knowledge is power
This section introduces RMDs and highlights the importance of accurate information. It provides a checklist for evaluating information and emphasizes consulting healthcare providers.
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How to prepare for a virtual Rheumatology consultation
This guide outlines how to prepare for a virtual rheumatology consultation by setting up a quiet space with reliable internet, gathering relevant medical documents, ensuring smooth communication during the session, and organizing follow-up tasks afterward
Learn more
How to Join?
EULAR prepared a toolkit where you can find a description of EULAR, its WAD 2025 activities, messages for your social media activity as well as the logo.
Toolkit
Social Media
Join our Social Media activities:
Follow and tag eular_org
#WAD2024
Use #WAD2025
#worldarthritisday
#EULAR
For more information about EULAR's activities and communities, subscribe to the EULAR Monthly Newsletter.