The European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR) is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to improving the lives of persons with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs). EULAR's commitment is reflected in the preparation of a manifesto, an empowering document that outlines the strategic priorities and actions necessary to enhance care, research and public and social awareness concerning RMDs.

Arthritis and Rheumatism Association Malta (ARAM)

ARAM, a patient organisation and an active member within EULAR, shares the salient points emanating from this document. Being fully cognisant of the significant burdens that persons living with RMDs carry, it has taken it upon itself to take this message forward and spread it locally as widely as possible.

What is EULAR?

EULAR represents the collective voice of people living with RMDs, health professionals and scientific societies across Europe. Since its inception, EULAR has been at the forefront of advocating for better patient care, fostering significant advancements in research, and promoting policy changes to support individuals affected by these conditions. It is estimated that 120 million persons in Europe are living with an RMD.

The scope of the EULAR manifesto

The EULAR manifesto serves as a pivotal framework aimed at unifying stakeholders in their efforts to combat RMDs. It is designed to address the multifaceted challenges faced by patients, healthcare providers and researchers. The manifesto's ultimate goal is to ensure that everyone affected by an RMD receives optimal care and support while improving preventive aspects and early diagnosis as this will have a direct effect on the outcome.

What are the manifesto's key objectives?

The EULAR manifesto is structured around several key objectives that collectively aim to improve the quality of life of individuals living with RMDs. These objectives include:

1. Enhancing Patient Care: EULAR emphasises the importance of providing timely, person-centred care that caters for the unique needs of each patient. This involves improving access to specialised healthcare services, promoting early diagnosis while emphasising prevention, and ensuring that patients receive the most effective treatments available while educating on lifestyle determinants that directly affect this and other conditions.

2. Advancing Research: Research is a cornerstone of the EULAR manifesto. EULAR advocates for increased investment in RMD research to foster innovation and discover new treatments. This includes supporting clinical trials, encouraging multidisciplinary collaboration and harnessing cutting-edge technologies to advance scientific understanding. Furthermore, patients' involvement in research is the way forward and has always been central within EULAR.

3. Raising Public Awareness: One of the critical components of the EULAR manifesto is raising public awareness about RMDs. EULAR seeks to educate the public, policymakers and stakeholders about the prevalence and impact of these conditions. By increasing awareness, EULAR aims to reduce stigma, encourage early intervention and garner support for policy changes that benefit persons living with RMDs.

4. Influencing Policy: EULAR works tirelessly to influence healthcare policies at national and European levels. The manifesto outlines strategies for advocating policy changes that improve access to care, ensure equitable resource allocation and support the integration of RMD care into the broader public health initiatives.

Strategic actions as outlined in the EULAR manifesto

The EULAR manifesto delineates specific actions to achieve its objectives. These actions are designed to create a cohesive approach to addressing RMDs and encompass the following areas:

1. Education and training: EULAR emphasises the need for comprehensive education and training programmes for healthcare professionals. This includes continuous professional development, the dissemination of best practices and the integration of RMD-specific training into general medical and healthcare professionals' curricula. By equipping healthcare providers with the necessary skills and knowledge, EULAR aims to improve patient outcomes.

2.         Collaboration and partnerships: Collaboration is at the heart of the EULAR manifesto. EULAR advocates for the establishment of robust partnerships between patient organisations, healthcare providers, researchers and policymakers. By fostering a collaborative environment, EULAR seeks to pool resources, share knowledge and drive collective progress to improve actions affecting persons living with RMDs.

3.         Advocacy and Lobbying: Effective advocacy is crucial to achieving the goals outlined in the EULAR manifesto. EULAR engages in lobbying efforts to influence policy decisions, secure funding for research and healthcare services and ensures that the voices of individuals with RMDs are heard and their views are integrated at all levels of decision-making.

4.         Research funding: Securing adequate funding for RMD research is a priority for EULAR. The manifesto highlights the need for sustained financial support from governments, private organisations and philanthropic entities. By bolstering research funding, EULAR aims to drive innovation and accelerate the development of new treatments and therapies.

Expected impact of the manifesto

Since its launch, the EULAR manifesto has had a marked impact on the RMD community. It is galvanising stakeholders to act and foster collaboration which will lead to meaningful advancements in patient care, research and public awareness. The manifesto serves as a guiding document inspiring and leading the way to further progress.

Final thoughts

The EULAR manifesto represents a bold and comprehensive approach to addressing the challenges posed by rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases. Through its strategic objectives and actions, EULAR is committed to improving the lives of persons living with RMDs, advancing scientific research and advocating for policy changes that support better healthcare outcomes. As the EULAR manifesto continues to evolve, it remains a beacon of hope and a catalyst for positive change in the RMD community. Its implementation at a national level is required to translate it from an important guiding document to outcomes that affect people's lives locally.

Arthritis and Rheumatism Association Malta are full members of Malta Health Network www.maltahealthnetwork.org