World Arthritis Day
12 October 2005

Every year on October 12 people with arthritis from around the World join together to make their voices heard and raise awareness of arthritis, a disease that affects millions of individuals across the globe.

The aims of World Arthritis Day are:

• To raise awareness of arthritis in all its forms among the medical community, people with arthritis and the general public
• To influence public policy by making decision-makers aware of the burden of arthritis and the steps which can be taken to ease it
• To ensure all people with arthritis and their care-givers are aware of the vast support network available to them

The theme for World Arthritis Day activities for the next few years will be encompassed under the broad theme of ‘Quality of Life’ and for this year, the particular focus will be on ‘Living without Pain’.

This theme will be brought to life through simultaneous events happening all over Europe on this special day. We hope to extend the outreach around PARE Manifesto, through support from the national organisations, and we aim to increase the understanding of arthritis/rheumatism and empower people with rheumatic diseases to self-manage their condition.

In a similar style to last year, we have developed an information leaflet about ‘Living without Pain’ and click here to find out about National events happening near you!

This website has been created by the PARE Manifesto (People with Arthritis/Rheumatism in Europe). PARE Manifesto is the campaigning arm of the EULAR (European League Against Rheumatism) Social Leagues. PARE Manifesto works to address the quality of life of Europeans affected by arthritis/rheumatism. Its concerns range from access to treatment and services, to issues associated with access to buildings, transport, employment and research. If you would like to find out more about PARE Manifesto, or would like to get involved in PARE Manifesto's work across Europe, please contact secretariat@paremanifesto.org