- Osteoarthritis Foundation International (OAFI) together with other patients’ associations that treat rheumatologic diseases recognized worldwide are meeting next 9th and 10th of October to find solutions to osteoarthritis
- It is estimated that 242 million people have osteoarthritis in the world and the number of patients is increasing
I International Congress for OA Patients
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease that affects both the cartilage and the bone and soft tissue of the joint. Globally, it is estimated that 242 million people have osteoarthritis.
Despite its social impact, osteoarthritis is seen as a distant pathology, only associated with old age. However, the reality is that it not only affects the elderly. With an increased life expectancy and the change of societal attitudes towards a more active lifestyle in which the practice of sports is commonplace, the cases of arthrosis are beginning to be detected in other younger risk groups such as postmenopausal women, sports persons and even young people.
With the aim to awareness about the disease and people who suffer it, Osteoarthritis Foundation International (OAFI) is hosting the I International Congress for OA Patients, in collaboration with Obra Social ”la Caixa”. The event is taking place on 9th and 10th of October at CosmoCaixa Barcelona (Isaac Newton Street, 26. 08022).
“For the first time in history a congress is going to be held to to treat this pathology in an exclusive way” says Dr. Josep Vergés, OAFI’s president. “From our Foundation, we think it is important to give OA patients attention. Many times, this pathology is associated with old age and the patients feel alone and misunderstood. However, osteoarthritis is a painful disease that directly affects the mobility and autonomy of the person who suffers it with the psychological wear and tear it entails. Moreover, it is linked to other co-morbidity problems such as hypertension or cardiovascular diseases, among others.
International and national patient associations such as Arthritis Foundation (USA), Spanish League of Rheumatology (LIRE), Pan-American League of Rheumatology Associations (PANLAR), Spanish Association with Osteoporosis and Osteoarthritis (AECOSAR) besides the International Osteoarthritis Foundation (OAFI), among others, will meet in Barcelona to give prominence to patients with osteoarthritis, know their health demands and promote research and innovation in this disease. About 150 million patients will be represented with these associations that will take the opportunity to celebrate the second meeting of the OA Task Force.
The I International Congress for OA Patients will become a meeting point for patients, public administration, medical and scientific societies, research and development centers and other entities which promote awareness about this disease.
The program includes social activities, round tables and conferences where experts will talk about osteoarthritis as a challenge for the future, the quality of life of patients, OA in athletes and postmenopausal women, physicians and empowered patients relationship and the patient role in R+D+I and in the drugs regulation, among other topics.
The Congress coincides with the week that World Arthritis Day (October 12) is celebrated. Attendance to the event is free and for all ages. More information here.
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