Global Team

IFPA's global strategy is directed by a Board of experienced psoriatic disease advocates from every region. The Secretariat manages operations from IFPA headquarters in Stockholm, Sweden.

Board

  • Ingvar Ingvarsson

    Ingvar Ágúst Ingvarsson

    Acting President, IFPA

    Member of Spoex / The Icelandic Psoriasis and Eczema Foundation
    Reykjavik, Iceland

    Ingvar was diagnosed with psoriasis when he was 23 and has had both ups and downs with the disease since then. During difficult times, he could depend on the valuable support of Spoex volunteers. When his psoriasis had improved and he was invited to join Spoex’ Board a few years later, Ingvar thus gladly accepted the invitation. Between 2014 and 2018, Ingvar was the organization’s Chairman. Being able to give something back to society and helping others is something he sees as a privilege. Professionally, Ingvar works as an IT technical solutions specialist.

  • Helen

    Helen Crawford

    Interim Vice President, IFPA

    Senior Program Manager, Psoriasis Canada
    Ottawa, Canada

    Helen Crawford is a seasoned patient advocate with over a decade of experience supporting Canadians living with psoriatic disease. Since 2011, Helen has been dedicated to advancing the well-being of skin patients, currently serving as the Senior Program Manager at Psoriasis Canada (PsoCan), where she plays a pivotal role in delivering vital resources, tools, and information to those affected by psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. With a strong background in communications, marketing, and project management, Helen has developed and led a variety of initiatives that empower and educate patients across Canada.

    In addition to her work at PsoCan, Helen is honoured to serve as the interim Vice President of the International Federation of Psoriasis Associations (IFPA), where she collaborates with global organizations to further the impact of psoriasis advocacy on an international scale. Helen is deeply committed to improving the quality of life for individuals with psoriatic disease and continues to be a passionate voice in both the Canadian and global healthcare communities.

  • Kathleen Gallant

    Kathleen L. Gallant

    Secretary, IFPA

    Ex-Officio, National Psoriasis Foundation/USA
    Pittsburgh, USA

    Kathleen chairs the IFPA Task Force on Noncommunicable Diseases (NCDs), working on global psoriasis advocacy with the World Health Organization and United Nations agencies. She lives in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and serves as ex-officio to the United States’ National Psoriasis Foundation Board of Directors. Kathleen holds a Master’s degree in Public Administration / Nonprofit Management from the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public and International Affairs.

  • Josef DeGuzman

    Josef de Guzman

    Treasurer, IFPA

    CEO, PsorPhil / Psoriasis Philippines
    Manila, Philippines

    Josefino "Josef" De Guzman is a dedicated advocate for psoriatic disease, NCDs, and disability inclusion. With over 20 years of experience, he has led and shaped patient organizations to improve healthcare access, inclusion, and patient empowerment. Josef founded PsorPhil in 2005, providing a digital haven for Filipinos with psoriasis, growing it into the nation's leading advocacy group with over twenty chapters. As the founder of PsorAsiaPacific, a crucial arm of IFPA, he sparked a movement across Asia, mentoring nations to establish patient organizations and sharing insights at global medical congresses. Josef's commitment extends to training non-dermatologists and primary health workers on psoriasis, ensuring broader access to accurate diagnosis and treatment. His leadership roles include serving as CEO of Psoriasis Philippines, Treasurer of IFPA, and Chair of the World Psoriasis Day Steering Committee. His legacy as a champion for the psoriatic community remains unwavering, shaping narratives of empowerment worldwide.

  • Silvia Fernandez Barrio

    Silvia Fernandez Barrio

    Board Member, IFPA

    President, AEPSO / Psoriasis Association of Argentina
    Buenos Aires, Argentina

    Professionally, Silvia worked as a radio and TV journalist in Argentina from 1979 until 2024. At the age of 18, she was diagnosed with psoriasis. When a major psoriasis flare-up in 2004 left her unable to afford her new medication, Silvia took the initiative to found AEPSO – the first and only psoriasis patient organization in Argentina. Since its creation, AEPSO has assisted over 55,000 patients and families.

  • Masanori Yokohama 2022

    Masanori Okuse

    Board Member, IFPA

    Representative Director and Chairman, INSPIRE JAPAN WPD / Head of International Affairs, Japan Psoriasis Association / Vice President, PsorAsia

    Yokohama, Japan

    Masanori worked for 2 pharmaceutical companies and a contract research organization for over 35 years in total. He has a wealth of knowledge and experience on marketing, medical and clinical research and development in the therapeutic areas of psychiatry, neurology, dermatology and immunology. He was diagnosed as psoriasis at the age of 40. A couple of years later, he started to work for psoriasis community as a volunteer. In 2017, he launched a project of INSPIRE JAPAN WPD with his colleagues in order to raise public awareness and spread right information on psoriasis, and organized the first-ever psoriasis awareness event by people with psoriasis on the World Psoriasis Day. The project has turned into a general incorporated association since 2018, and the association organizes similar events around the World Psoriasis Day every year since then. He continues activities for people with psoriasis at global, regional and national level.


Secretariat

  • Frida Dunger

    Frida Dunger

    Executive Director

    Frida is responsible for managing IFPA operations, facilitating strategic development, and building global partnerships. Frida is committed to building a more just and sustainable world. She has extensive experience working with non-profits, including Emmaus Stockholm, ActionAid, and Forum Civ. Frida holds a Master in International Development Studies and Cultural Encounters.

  • Elisa Martini 2434 1610 web

    Elisa Martini

    Policy and Advocacy Manager

    Elisa is responsible for development and implementation of IFPA´s advocacy and policy strategies at a global level. She has a Master´s degree in pharmaceutical sciences and a Ph.D. with a focus on psoriasis. She has previous advocacy experience as a volunteer in a local level, health sector NGO.

  • Sicily Mburu 2434 1729 web

    Sicily Mburu, M.D.

    Scientific Officer

    Sicily injects the patient perspective into every stage of the research cycle. Sicily is a health professional with a clinical background and over 10 years experience in the field of global health. Sicily holds a dual MSc in Epidemiology, and Health Economics & Policy.

  • Janina Kostiukaite 2434 1579 web

    Janina Kostiukaite

    Fundraising Manager

    Janina explores new opportunities to diversify IFPA's sponsorship to support IFPA's action against psoriatic disease. Janina is a Master of Global Health, with special training in Medical Peace Work and eHealth. She has interned at the WHO and organized international youth projects in Turkey and Macedonia.

  • Ida Mourujarvi 2334 1721 web

    Ida Mourujärvi

    Finance and Administration Manager

    Ida oversees finance and administration at IFPA, bringing over 20 years of expertise in financial management, administration, and project leadership. Her experience spans both the private healthcare sector and non-profit organizations, ensuring a strong foundation for IFPA's operational excellence.

  • Camille Lancelot 2434 1549close web

    Camille Lancelot

    Community Manager

    Camille runs IFPA's member services and capacity development programs. She has a background in development work and teaching as well as a Master in Cultural Projects for Development. Camille has lived and worked in the USA, Senegal, Benin, France, and Sweden.

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    Annika Sjöberg

    Marketing and Communications Manager

    Annika directs outreach, and supports the development of new patient associations in countries where none exist. Before joining IFPA, Annika was Manager for Communication and Fundraising for the Swedish Rheumatism Association and CEO in communication-oriented companies for more than ten years. She holds Bachelor’s degrees in business administration and computer science.

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    Tanjia Nishi

    Global Communicator

    Nishi is the driving force behind IFPA's communications. With a Master’s degree in Corporate Communication and over 10 years of experience as a Digital and Content Marketer, she has a proven track record of delivering impactful results. Her expertise lies in creating strategies and content that align seamlessly with organizational visions and goals, making her an invaluable asset to the team.

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    Raquel Vaz

    Scientific Project Leader

    Raquel is responsible for providing scientific advice and to ensure the gathering and sharing of trustworthy information to those living with psoriatic disease, healthcare providers, policy makers, and the community. Raquel has a PhD in Genetics and vast experience in clinical and translational research in rare diseases and in psoriasis.

Contact us!

Slottsbacken 8 111 30

Stockholm, SWEDEN

Scientific Advisory Board

  • Peter van de kerkhof

    Peter van de Kerkhof MD, PhD

    Dermatologist

    The Netherlands

  • Mark Lebwohl

    Mark Lebwohl MD, PhD

    Dermatologist

    USA

  • Alan Menter

    Alan Menter MD, PhD

    Dermatologist

    USA

  • Jorg prinz

    Jörg Prinz MD, PhD

    Dermatologist

    Germany

  • Mona

    Mona Ståhle MD, PhD

    Dermatologist

    Sweden

  • Philip mease

    Philip Mease MD, PhD

    Rheumatologist

    USA

  • Christopher ritchlin

    Christopher Ritchlin MD, PhD

    Rheumatologist

    USA

Resources and Tools

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News Opportunities for Members, News, About IFPA

IFPA Internship: Global health advocacy & communication
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IFPA Members Frankfurt 2014

Article About IFPA

IFPA 50 Years
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report Reports, About IFPA

Member Survey Report 2020

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report Reports, About IFPA

Member Survey Report 2019

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