International federation advocates for psoriasis at WHO meeting

At the 67th regional committee meeting of WHO Africa, representatives from the International Federation of Psoriasis Associations advocated that psoriasis patients should be screened for comorbidities such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes, according to a recent press release.

In addition to launching the Global Psoriasis Coalition, the International Federation of Psoriasis Associations advocated that these psoriasis-related issues should become part of WHO’s global non-communicable diseases agenda. The aim of the coalition is to unite clinicians and other stakeholders in psoriasis care across regions and borders on the continent.

Both resolution WHA 67.9 and the WHO global report on psoriasis gained attention from the event. Sessions largely focused on policy aspects of preventing and managing non-communicable diseases such as psoriasis, but presentations also included information for clinicians, with an emphasis on patient-centered care.

The announcements were made at a side event at the regional committee meeting titled “Psoriasis in the NCD Agenda — The Road to 2018.” The meeting took place in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. Representatives from 47 member states were present. WHO officials stressed the importance of following up on the resolutions made in the sessions, and that psoriasis should receive more attention as a health concern. – by Rob Volansky