Online Global Psoriasis Atlas - A world first

Name: IFPA
Price range: $

01 July 2021

By IFPA

The Global Psoriasis Atlas (GPA) is the first atlas of its kind showing the global distribution of psoriasis.

The GPA was created in response to a report by the World Health Organization recognizing psoriasis as a serious, non-communicable disease, which required a greater understanding of its epidemiology. Now in Phase II of the project (2020-2023), the GPA continues to provide valuable information for researchers, policy makers and healthcare providers around the world. The GPA will contribute to improved understanding of psoriasis epidemiology, comorbidities, early diagnosis, health economic impact and current healthcare available for patients. This will help to ensure that people with the disease will have access to the best available care wherever they may live in the world.

The GPA has uncovered the first global picture of psoriasis, including the burden of the disease, by conducting the largest ever systematic review on its epidemiology. Where gaps in our knowledge have been identified, further studies will be commissioned. Our research has identified that the prevalence and incidence of psoriasis appear to vary according to genetic background and geographic location. However, we only have such information from one in five countries. Thus, there is still a need for future international collaborations using standardized methodology to address such knowledge gaps. Psoriasis is a potentially life-ruining skin disease associated with a number of conditions such as cardiovascular disease, depression and arthritis. Therefore, its management has to be focused on other organ systems in addition to the skin.

"We have made outstanding progress in our vision to map psoriasis worldwide. It is impressive to see the enthusiasm with which dermatologists around the world have embraced the concept and ambition of the GPA. We are confident that the Atlas will continue to provide important data on the true burden of psoriasis and its cost to the individual and to society on a country by country basis. In turn, these data will be foundational to providing the best care for people with psoriasis, wherever they live, by highlighting unmet needs to health authorities, governments, payers, and regulators.’’

Prof Chris Griffiths, Director of the GPA

The GPA is a collaboration between three leading international organizations in world dermatology: International Federation of Psoriasis Associations (IFPA); International League of Dermatological Societies (ILDS); and International Psoriasis Council (IPC). The project is delivered by researchers at The University of Manchester working in collaboration with numerous dermatology colleagues from around the world.

‘’Psoriasis represents a significant global burden; it is frequently associated with other conditions and can have a detrimental impact on quality of life for the individual. Until now, many countries have lacked the epidemiological data to enable them to argue the case for improvements to diagnosis, access to care and best available treatment – the GPA provides those data.’’

Rebekah Swan, GPA Program Manager

About the 6th World Psoriasis & Psoriatic Arthritis Conference 2021

Quick Facts

Theme: “Connected, informed, and united to improve multidisciplinary care for people with psoriasis & psoriatic arthritis”

Dates: June 30 – July 3, 2021

Venue: Virtual Conference broadcast from Stockholm, Sweden

Target group: Dermatologists, rheumatologists and general practitioners and allied health professionals with an interest in psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis

Website: www.ifpaworldconference.com

Twitter: @PsoriasisIFPA, #WPPAC21