2025 Recipients of the IFPA Forum Fund

IFPA is pleased to announce the six recipients of the inaugural IFPA Forum Fund. These projects were selected for their strong potential to advance advocacy priorities identified by the psoriasis community in their respective regions. Developed through collaboration between patient organizations, healthcare professionals, policymakers, and other stakeholders at IFPA Forums around the world, these priorities are captured in the regional IFPA Forum Roadmaps. The funded initiatives address a wide range of challenges, including access to care, early diagnosis, mental health, health equity, patient empowerment, and public awareness. Together, they demonstrate the power of locally driven solutions to create meaningful change for people living with psoriatic disease and contribute to the long-term goals of the global psoriasis community.

Fund Recipients

Denmark

Improving Access and Equity in Biologic Treatment for Psoriatic Disease through Dermatology Practices in Denmark

Psoriasisforeningen’s project aims to improve access to biologic treatment for people living with moderate-to-severe psoriasis in Denmark by enabling dermatologists in private practice to prescribe biologic therapies. Currently, biologics can only be prescribed through hospital outpatient clinics, creating long waiting times, regional disparities, and delayed treatment for thousands of patients. Building on the increased availability of cost-effective biosimilars and national analyses supporting psoriasis as a suitable candidate for Denmark’s confidential rebate pilot scheme, the project will develop a strong clinical and economic evidence base, collect and amplify patient experiences, and engage key national and regional decision-makers through targeted advocacy and stakeholder dialogue. Over a 12-month period, the project will produce policy recommendations, conduct high-level meetings with health authorities and policymakers, raise public awareness through media and patient storytelling, and build support for including psoriasis in the pilot scheme. The ultimate goal is to establish a permanent pathway allowing community-based dermatologists to prescribe biologics, thereby improving timely access to effective treatment, reducing inequalities in care, decreasing disease burden, and strengthening patient-centred, sustainable healthcare. Fully aligned with the IFPA Europe Roadmap, the project contributes directly to improving access to care, reducing regional inequities, supporting the affordable use of biologics, strengthening community-based care models, and creating long-term systemic change that will benefit thousands of people living with psoriasis across Denmark.

Puerto Rico

Advocacy Plan for Psoriatic Disease Access

APAPP’s project aims to improve access to appropriate treatment for people living with moderate-to-severe psoriatic disease in Puerto Rico by advocating for the recognition of psoriatic disease as a special condition within the government-funded Vital Health Plan. Current coverage policies do not reflect updated clinical guidelines, resulting in delayed access to effective therapies, preventable disease progression, and increased long-term healthcare costs. Over a six-month period, APAPP will consolidate clinical and economic evidence, leverage findings from its patient profile study, collect patient experiences, and build a multisector coalition of dermatologists, rheumatologists, patient leaders, and partner organizations to support policy change. Through targeted government engagement, public awareness activities, and the development of a formal policy proposal, the project seeks to demonstrate the public health and economic benefits of timely, evidence-based treatment access. The initiative aims to secure consideration of psoriatic disease as a special condition under Vital, laying the foundation for more equitable and sustainable access to care, improved health outcomes, and enhanced quality of life for people living with psoriatic disease across Puerto Rico. In doing so, the project directly supports the IFPA Forum of the Americas’ goals of improving access, equity, and quality of care for psoriasis patients.

Slovenia

Together to School and Work – Support for People with Psoriasis in Education and Employment

Društvo psoriatikov Slovenije’s project aims to reduce stigma, strengthen psychosocial wellbeing, and improve educational and employment outcomes for adolescents, students, and working-age adults living with psoriasis. Recognizing the significant social, emotional, and practical challenges associated with a visible chronic skin condition, the three-year programme provides a comprehensive support framework that combines empowerment workshops, free psychological counselling, legal advisory services, educational resources for schools and employers, and a national digital awareness campaign. Through evidence-based approaches such as peer support, cognitive-behavioural techniques, and rights-based advocacy, the project equips individuals with the skills and confidence to navigate discrimination, communicate effectively about their condition, and participate fully in education and work. At the same time, it increases awareness and understanding of psoriasis among teachers, counsellors, employers, and human resources professionals, fostering more inclusive environments across Slovenia. By reaching at least 150 participants through workshops, distributing 600 educational packages, delivering ongoing counselling and legal support, and engaging the wider public through awareness campaigns, the project will contribute to improved mental health, reduced stigma, stronger social inclusion, and greater equality of opportunity for people living with psoriasis, while supporting the Forum’s goals of health equity, youth empowerment, mental wellbeing, and inclusive communities.

Germany

Development, implementation an evaluation of an online training course for people with psoriatic disease and mental health issues

Deutscher Psoriasis Bund (DPB), in collaboration with the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), will develop, implement, and evaluate an innovative online psychological support programme designed to reduce the mental health burden associated with psoriatic disease. The programme consists of six bi-weekly, psychologist-led online sessions covering key challenges such as itching and scratching, stigma, body image, coping with chronic illness, and emotional wellbeing. Drawing on evidence-based psychotherapeutic approaches—including relaxation techniques, habit reversal training, social skills development, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)—the training will provide participants with practical coping strategies and low-threshold access to professional psychological support, regardless of geographic location. The initiative addresses a significant unmet need, as many people living with psoriatic disease experience psychological distress but face barriers to accessing mental health services. Following implementation and evaluation in 2026, participants will be offered ongoing peer support through a dedicated DPB online community, and the programme is intended to become a permanent service delivered twice annually. By improving mental wellbeing, strengthening self-management skills, and expanding access to digital psychological care, the project directly supports the IFPA Europe Roadmap priorities on mental health and digital health while creating a sustainable model of support for people living with psoriatic disease across Germany.

Panama

From Early Detection to Integrated Care: Implementing the IFPA Forum Americas Roadmap in Panama

Fundación Psoriasis de Panamá’s project aims to improve the timely identification and referral of people living with psoriatic disease by strengthening primary healthcare capacity and reinforcing integrated, patient-centred care pathways across Panama. Building on more than two decades of experience in patient education, early detection, and advocacy, the initiative responds directly to documented delays in diagnosis and specialist access identified through patient-reported evidence, including findings from the 2024 LATAM Unmet Needs Survey. Rather than creating new systems, the project will enhance existing programmes and partnerships through targeted training for 100 primary care physicians, community-based early detection and education activities reaching at least 1,200 people, and the development of practical referral guidance tools to improve coordination between primary care and specialist services. The project will also consolidate real-world evidence on diagnostic delays and access barriers and facilitate stakeholder dialogue to support future health system improvements. By increasing healthcare professional knowledge, improving referral pathways, identifying individuals with suspected psoriatic disease for appropriate follow-up, and generating actionable evidence for policymakers, the initiative translates the IFPA Forum Americas Roadmap into measurable country-level action that promotes earlier diagnosis, more coordinated care, and better health outcomes for people living with psoriatic disease in Panama.

France

Psoriasis et politique publique

France Psoriasis’s project seeks to raise political awareness of psoriasis as a serious chronic disease and strengthen the voice of patients in health policy decision-making across France. Through a nationwide advocacy campaign, the association will contact approximately 1,000 mayors, members of parliament, and senators ahead of the 2026 municipal elections and in preparation for the 2027 presidential elections, providing information materials and awareness-raising items that highlight the ongoing challenges faced by people living with psoriasis. The initiative aims to increase recognition of psoriasis in line with the World Health Organization’s resolutions, draw attention to persistent barriers in access to care caused by shortages of healthcare professionals and gaps in long-term disease management, and promote policies that better support patients’ rights and healthcare needs. By securing meetings with at least 100 policymakers and fostering ongoing dialogue with political leaders, the project seeks to increase understanding of psoriasis, encourage legislative and policy improvements, and build support for a national public awareness campaign. In doing so, it directly contributes to the IFPA Europe Roadmap objective of strengthening patient involvement in decision-making and ensuring that the perspectives of people living with psoriasis are reflected in healthcare policy and practice.