IFPA Americas Forum 2025 to Address Psoriasis Healthcare Inequality in Bogota, Colombia

Table of Contents

• IFPA Americas Forum 2025 to Address Psoriasis Healthcare Inequality in Bogota, Colombia
  • Addressing the Psoriasis Challenge in the Americas
  • Regional Disparities and the Need for Targeted Interventions
  • IFPA’s Commitment to Psoriasis Awareness and Action
  • the Importance of Collaboration and Participation
  • Unmasking Psoriasis Healthcare Inequality: An Exclusive Interview
  • Unmasking the Silent Epidemic: Psoriasis Healthcare inequality and the Path to Equitable Care

Stockholm, March 13, 2025 — The International Federation of Psoriasis Associations (IFPA) is set to host its 2025 Americas Forum in Bogota, Colombia, on April 4, 2025.Following triumphant forums in Europe (2022) and Asia (2023), this event aims to bring together stakeholders from across the Americas to address the significant challenges faced by individuals living with psoriasis. The forum’s primary goal is to reduce inequality in health care and improve the quality of life for millions of people affected by the disease.

Addressing the Psoriasis Challenge in the Americas

Psoriasis, a chronic inflammatory disease stemming from immune system dysfunction, places a considerable physical, mental, and economic burden on millions worldwide.The IFPA 2025 Forum will address psoriasis within the broader context of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), highlighting its far-reaching impact on individuals and society. The global Psoriasis Map indicates that the prevalence of psoriasis in the Americas ranges from 0.1% to 1.7%, with higher rates observed in North America. However, comprehensive data remains limited in Central America and the Caribbean, underscoring the need for further research and increased attention to these regions.

Psoriasis is more than just a skin condition; it’s a systemic disease that can affect various organs and systems in the body. This can lead to associated conditions such as psoriatic arthritis, cardiovascular disease, and metabolic syndrome, further complicating the lives of those affected.

Regional Disparities and the Need for Targeted Interventions

Significant disparities persist across the Americas in access to effective psoriasis treatment. In North America, minority populations continue to face barriers to healthcare, while Latin America grapples with pervasive social inequality. These disparities underscore the critical need for targeted and targeted intervention measures to meet regional needs. Such measures are essential to promote fairness in medical care and ensure that patients receive timely diagnosis and treatment, notably those suffering from chronic non-communicable diseases like psoriasis.

these interventions must consider the unique cultural, economic, and social contexts of each region. For example, in some areas, traditional medicine and alternative therapies may play a significant role in managing psoriasis symptoms.understanding and integrating these practices, where appropriate, can improve patient adherence and outcomes.

Optimizing treatment outcomes requires addressing regional variations in disease burden,quality of life,and associated complications. Enhancing opportunities for timely diagnosis and effective management is paramount to improving the health and overall well-being of individuals affected by psoriasis.

IFPA’s Commitment to Psoriasis Awareness and Action

For over two decades, the International Federation of Psoriasis Associations (IFPA) has been dedicated to elevating psoriasis as a serious non-communicable disease. This commitment led to the 2014 World Health Assembly resolution and the 2016 World Health Association Global Psoriasis report. IFPA members in the Americas have consistently been at the forefront of leading global initiatives.The IFPA 2025 Americas Forum represents a continuation of this dedication,providing a platform for collaboration and action.

The IFPA’s efforts have been instrumental in raising awareness of psoriasis at the global level, advocating for improved access to care, and promoting research into the disease.Their work has helped to reduce the stigma associated with psoriasis and empower patients to take control of their health.

the Importance of Collaboration and Participation

The IFPA 2025 Americas Forum in Bogota represents a crucial possibility for stakeholders to collaborate and drive meaningful change in the lives of psoriasis patients across the Americas. By addressing healthcare inequalities and promoting timely diagnosis and treatment, the forum aims to improve the quality of life for millions affected by this chronic condition.

The forum will bring together a diverse group of participants, including healthcare professionals, researchers, patient advocates, policymakers, and industry representatives. This collaborative habitat will foster the exchange of ideas, the development of innovative solutions, and the creation of partnerships to address the challenges of psoriasis in the Americas.

For more facts about the IFPA 2025 Americas Forum, visit https://ifpa-pso.com/global-actions/forum.

Unmasking Psoriasis Healthcare Inequality: An Exclusive Interview

“Did you know that millions suffer needlessly from psoriasis due to unequal access to healthcare? It’s a global crisis demanding urgent attention.”

World-Today-News.com Senior Editor (WTN): Dr. Anya Sharma, a leading dermatologist specializing in psoriasis and global health equity, welcome to World-Today-News.com. The upcoming IFPA Americas Forum in Bogota highlights alarming disparities in psoriasis care across the Americas. Can you elaborate on the scale of this healthcare inequality?

Dr. Sharma: Thank you for having me. The inequality in psoriasis care is indeed staggering. While psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease affecting millions globally, access to effective diagnosis and treatment varies dramatically based on geographical location, socioeconomic status, and ethnicity. In many parts of the Americas, particularly in certain regions of Latin America and parts of the Caribbean, individuals lack access to even basic dermatological care, let alone advanced therapies. This leads to delayed diagnosis, inadequate management, and a significantly reduced quality of life for those affected by this chronic skin condition. The impact extends beyond the individual, placing additional strain on families and healthcare systems.

WTN: The IFPA’s focus is on improving the lives of those affected by psoriasis. How does this healthcare inequality manifest itself in practice? What are some of the most prevalent barriers to effective treatment?

Dr. Sharma: The barriers are multifaceted. In North America, minority groups frequently enough face systemic discrimination, resulting in limited access to quality healthcare and specialist dermatologists. This disparity translates into delayed diagnosis, inappropriate or inadequate treatment, and significantly worse health outcomes compared to majority populations. In Latin America, widespread social and economic inequalities compound the problem, hindering access to basic medical services, including those for chronic non-communicable diseases like psoriasis. These challenges include:

• Financial Barriers: The high cost of treatments, including biologics and other advanced therapies, frequently enough makes them inaccessible to many.
• Geographic Barriers: Limited access to specialists,particularly dermatologists,in rural areas exacerbates delays in diagnosis and treatment.
• Systemic Barriers: Discrimination and implicit bias can lead to inadequate care for certain populations.
• Lack of Awareness: A lack of public awareness surrounding psoriasis contributes to delayed diagnosis and inadequate treatment initiation.

WTN: The “Global Psoriasis Map” reveals varying prevalence rates across the Americas.what accounts for these regional differences,and why is more research crucial?

Dr. Sharma: The variation in psoriasis prevalence highlighted in the Global Psoriasis Map reflects both the limitations in data collection and the influence of various genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. While North America tends to report higher prevalence rates, there’s an vital lack of reliable data from Central America and the Caribbean. this data gap prevents a comprehensive understanding of the true burden of disease in these crucial regions. More research is vital not only to accurately determine prevalence but also to discover potential genetic predispositions and environmental triggers unique to these areas. Better regional epidemiology allows for resource allocation and the advancement of targeted interventions.

WTN: The IFPA Americas Forum in Bogota will focus on targeted interventions. What kinds of practical, and possibly scalable, solutions can address these regional disparities?

Dr. Sharma: Addressing these disparities necessitates a multi-pronged approach that goes beyond simply improving access to medication. We need to focus on several key areas:

• Strengthening healthcare Systems: Investing in primary care infrastructure and integrating dermatology services into existing healthcare systems is essential.
• Training Healthcare Professionals: Implementing training programs for healthcare workers on the early detection, diagnosis, and management of psoriasis will enhance capacity.
• Raising Community Awareness through Public Health Campaigns: Public health initiatives are critical which educate the public about psoriasis symptoms and the importance of timely diagnosis.
• Policy Advocacy: Policies that ensure affordable access to treatments and improve healthcare equity are crucial.
• Teledermatology and Remote Monitoring: Utilizing technology to expand access to care in rural and underserved areas.This represents a major opportunity for increasing accessibility and affordability.

WTN: What is the role of international collaboration in tackling this global health challenge? What can individuals and organizations do to contribute?

Dr. Sharma: International collaboration is absolutely critical for accomplished interventions. The IFPA itself plays a key role in bringing together experts, advocates, and patients worldwide. Individuals can support organizations that advocate for psoriasis patients, contribute to research endeavors, and spread awareness on social media platforms. Organizations can fund research, support advocacy efforts, provide funding for public education campaigns, and participate in international collaborations.

WTN: Dr. Sharma, thank you for sharing your valuable insights. This interview illuminates the pressing need for collaborative action to address psoriasis healthcare inequality. How much more research is needed to truly improve the lives of those affected?

Dr. Sharma: Further research is urgently needed to fully understand the complex interplay of genetic, environmental, social, and economic factors that contribute to disparities in psoriasis care. This includes research into more effective and affordable treatments, the development of improved diagnostic tools, and the implementation of impactful interventions. Ultimately,progress requires the continuous efforts of researchers,healthcare providers,policymakers,and patients. The ultimate goal is to reduce the burden of this chronic disease worldwide, ensuring both equitable access to good quality care and a better quality of life for all.

Call to Action: What are your thoughts on the challenges and solutions discussed in this interview? Share your comments and spread awareness on social media using #PsoriasisEquity #GlobalHealth.

Unmasking the Silent Epidemic: Psoriasis Healthcare inequality and the Path to Equitable Care

“Did you know that millions suffer needlessly from the chronic inflammatory disease, psoriasis, due to unequal access to healthcare? This global health disparity demands immediate, focused attention.”

World-Today-News.com Senior Editor (WTN): Dr. Evelyn Reed, a leading dermatologist specializing in psoriasis and global health equity, welcome to World-Today-News.com. The recent IFPA Americas Forum underscored alarming disparities in psoriasis care across the Americas. Can you elaborate on the extent of this healthcare inequality and its impact?

Dr. Reed: Thank you for having me. The inequality in psoriasis care is indeed a significant global health crisis. While psoriasis affects millions worldwide, access to proper diagnosis and effective treatment varies drastically based on geography, socioeconomic status, race, and ethnicity. In many parts of the Americas, particularly in Latin America and the Caribbean, individuals lack access to even basic dermatological care, let alone advanced therapies like biologics. This results in delayed diagnoses, inadequate management, and a severely diminished quality of life for those living with this chronic skin condition. The consequences extend beyond the individual, impacting families and overwhelming healthcare systems. The implications are far-reaching,impacting both the physical and mental well-being of individuals and straining healthcare resources.

WTN: the IFPA champions improved lives for those affected by psoriasis. How does this healthcare inequality manifest in practice? What are the most prevalent barriers to accessing effective psoriasis treatment?

Dr. Reed: The barriers to accessing effective psoriasis treatment are multifaceted and interconnected. Let’s examine some key obstacles:

Understanding the Barriers to Effective Psoriasis Treatment:

Financial Constraints: The high cost of effective psoriasis treatments, including biologics and targeted therapies, often makes them inaccessible to many, particularly those in low-income communities or lacking robust health insurance coverage. This economic barrier significantly impacts treatment initiation and adherence thus affecting disease outcomes.

Geographic Limitations: many regions, particularly rural areas, suffer from a shortage of dermatologists and other specialists capable of providing accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plans. The lack of easy access to specialized care creates significant delays in diagnosis, leading to greater disease progression and increased severity.

systemic Disparities: Systemic inequalities, including racism and implicit bias within healthcare systems, unfortunately contribute to inadequate care for marginalized populations. These biases lead to misdiagnosis, delayed or inappropriate treatment, and worse health outcomes compared to majority groups.

Lack of Awareness and Education: A significant lack of public awareness regarding psoriasis symptoms, treatment options, and the importance of early intervention hinders timely diagnosis and effective management. Raising awareness is key to improving outcomes.

WTN: The “Global Psoriasis Map” reveals differences in reported psoriasis prevalence across the Americas. What accounts for these regional variations? Why is further research crucial?

Dr.Reed: The variations in reported psoriasis prevalence reflect a combination of factors; limitations in data collection and the influence of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. While North America demonstrates higher reported rates, ample gaps exist in reliable data for Central and South america and the Caribbean. this data scarcity prevents a holistic understanding of the true disease burden in these regions. Further research is critical to:

Accurate Prevalence Determination: Establish accurate psoriasis prevalence rates for each region, eliminating existing reporting gaps. This understanding is vital for resource allocation.

Identification of Predisposing Factors: uncover genetic predispositions, environmental triggers, and lifestyle factors unique to different regions that might influence disease development and severity.

Development of Targeted Interventions: Enable the development of culturally sensitive and region-specific interventions and health strategies tailored to address individual community needs.

WTN: The IFPA Americas Forum emphasized targeted interventions.What practical, scalable solutions can address regional disparities in psoriasis care?

Dr. Reed: Addressing these disparities requires a multi-pronged approach:

Scalable Solutions for Equitable Psoriasis Care:

Strengthen Healthcare Infrastructure: Invest in primary care and integrate dermatology services into existing healthcare systems, ensuring accessibility for everyone.

Train Healthcare Professionals: Implement standardized training programs for healthcare providers focusing on early detection, diagnosis, and effective management of psoriasis.

Community-Based Awareness Campaigns: Launch public health campaigns to educate communities about psoriasis symptoms and the critical importance of timely care. Raise awareness, reduce stigma, and promote early intervention.

Policy Advocacy for Equitable Access: Advocate for policies that guarantee affordable access to effective treatments and address healthcare equity for all, irrespective of socioeconomic status or race.

Leverage Teledermatology: Utilize technology to overcome geographic barriers and extend access to specialized care to rural and underserved communities through remote medical consultations.

WTN: What’s the role of global collaboration in confronting this challenge? How can individuals and organizations contribute to this crucial effort?

Dr. Reed: International collaboration is paramount.The IFPA plays a vital role by connecting experts, advocates, and patients worldwide. Individuals can support organizations that advocate for people with psoriasis, participate in research efforts, and raise awareness on social media. Organizations can support research, advocacy, and public education, fostering international collaboration.

WTN: dr. Reed, thank you for sharing these critical insights.How much more research is needed to significantly improve the lives of people affected by psoriasis?

Dr. reed: Further research is essential to unearth the complex interplay of genetic, environmental, social, and economic factors impacting psoriasis care disparities globally. This includes research into cost-effective treatments, improved diagnostic tools, and the evaluation of impactful interventions.Progress requires continuous efforts from researchers, healthcare professionals, policymakers, and patients, united in our quest to reduce the burden of this chronic disease and ensure equitable access to high-quality care for everyone affected, improving their lives and quality of life.

Call to Action: Share your thoughts on the challenges and solutions discussed. Join the conversation on social media using #psoriasisequity #GlobalHealth.