The European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR) has joined the European Chronic Disease Alliance, rallying its mission to improve chronic disease prevention and management across the EU.

This new addition brings the number of members of the Alliance to 13.

“EULAR is proud to be joining ECDA to support a coordinated European response to chronic diseases. Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Diseases (RMDs) in particular are underrepresented in European health policy, despite affecting approximately 120 million Europeans and accounting for over 50% of Years Lived with Disabilities (YLDs) in Europe. We aim to support the development of improved quality of care, social policy helping mitigate the burden of disease, and improving prevention and treatment strategies” – Prof. Annamaria Iagnocco, incoming ECDA Steering Committee member & EULAR past-President

EULAR is the non-profit organisation that represents people with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs), health professionals in rheumatology (HPR), rheumatologists and scientific societies of rheumatology of all the European nations.

“It is a pleasure to welcome EULAR as a member of our Alliance. Rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases impact the lives of many EU citizens and are linked to many other types of chronic diseases represented within ECDA. By joining forces with EULAR, ECDA pursues its efforts to drive policy change for the benefit of those living or at risk of chronic diseases. The expertise of the rheumatology community will be a great asset to ECDA’s work, and at a critical time of the EU political cycle” – Prof. Em. Raymond Vanholder, Acting Chairman, European Chronic Disease Alliance