World Autoimmune Arthritis Day

World Autoimmune Arthritis Day raises awareness of autoimmune arthritis diseases through various events, including a virtual convention that lasts for nearly 2 days. The day falls on May 20 each year.

Public awareness of arthritis and other arthritic diseases is raised on World Autoimmune Arthritis Day.

©iStockphoto.com/dlerick

What do people do?

Each year, a virtual convention is held involving non-profit organizations, supporters, and educators around the world. The convention begins on May 19 and finishes on May 21 and involves thousands of people going online for the event. Awareness campaigns about arthritic diseases are also promoted in print, social media, and on radio and television around this time of the year.

Public life

World Autoimmune Arthritis Day is an observance and not a public holiday.

Background

The first official World Autoimmune Arthritis Day was held on May 20, 2012. The day raises awareness for arthritic diseases such as:

• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA).
• Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA).
• Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS).
• Primary Sjogren's Syndrome (SS).
• Systemic Lupus Erythematosis (SLE).
• Still's Disease.
• Juvenile Arthritis (JA).
• Mixed Connective Tissue Disease (MCTD).
• Undifferentiated Connective Tissue Disease/Undifferentiated Spondyloarthropathy (UCTD/USpA).

The International Autoimmune Arthritis Movement, The European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR), which hosted previous World Arthritis Days, and the American Arthritis Foundation work together in promoting World Autoimmune Arthritis Day.

World Autoimmune Arthritis Day Observances