World Arthritis Day was established in 1996 by Arthritis and Rheumatism International (ARI) and is celebrated each year on 12 October.
People with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs) from around the world can join together to make their voices heard on this day.
Although 12 October is the official World Arthritis Day, this is a year round campaign.
The aims of World Arthritis Day are to:
- raise awareness of RMDs amongst the medical community, people with RMDs and the general public
- influence public policy by making decision-makers aware of the burden of RMDs and the steps which can be taken to ease it
- ensure all people with RMDs and their caregivers are aware of the vast support network available to them.