What is axSpA?
Axial Spondyloarthritis (also known as axSpA or axial SpA) is one of a group of inflammatory rheumatic diseases known as Spondyloarthritis that share clinical and genetic features.
AxSpA is a progressive chronic inflammatory disease that primarily affects the spine and the sacroiliac (SI) joints that connect the lower spine to the pelvis. This results in pain and stiffness in the lower back, hips and buttocks. It can also affect other joints in the body, as well as tendons and ligaments. It causes inflammation and can lead to chronic pain, and impairments in mobility.
Latest from ASIF
2 December 2025
IMAP: ASIF’s Pioneering Global Project to Map axSpA and Psoriatic Arthritis
We are excited to share more about the International Map of Axial Spondyloarthritis and Psoriatic Arthritis (IMAP)- a new ASIF initiative that builds on the success of IMAS (International Map of Axial Spondyloarthritis).
2 December 2025
New Trustees
Meet our new Trustees: Geraldine Bonites from the Philippines and Simon Grosswiler from Switzerland.
2 December 2025
Member Webinar: AI and how it can benefit patient organisations
Watch our latest webinar diving into how AI can help Patient Organisations do so much more!
ASIF programmes
2 December 2025
World AS Day
Save the Date for World AS Day 2026! Saturday 2 May. Find out about the campaign by clicking through!
21 March 2025
IMAS
Dive into the numbers from the International Map of Axial Spondyloarthritis (IMAS) Global Report in our interactive webpages. With data from more than 5,500 patients from 27 countries across five continents, IMAS is the largest ever survey of axSpA patients. The report is now available to download in English, French and German.
21 March 2025
Patient Resources
What is axSpA? Treatment options, Living well with axSpA, Getting the most out of your rheumatology appointments, Building a partnership with your doctor – these are just some of the guides available for download on our Resources webpage. In addition to patient-focused guides, there is information about ASDAS and BASDAI, webinar recordings, videos and guides on exercise and movement and guides specifically for patient organisations.
From around the world
3 December 2025
Introducing our newest member: 3majmy się razem – Poland
Founded in 2008, 3majmy się razem (“Let’s stick together”) is a patient organisation in Poland that unites people living with inflammatory connective tissue diseases, axSpA, and other chronic rheumatic conditions.
3 December 2025
Axial Spondyloarthritis Playbook: Reducing Time to Diagnosis and Improving Patient Experience
The NASS Playbook is a groundbreaking tool in the fight to reduce the delay to diagnosis in the UK.
3 December 2025
Connecting Communities: Inside EULAR PARE and Its Global Impact
When it comes to shaping the future of rheumatology advocacy, few organisations have as wide-reaching an influence as EULAR.
3 December 2025
IAPO’s 11th Global Patients’ Congress: Driving Patient Voices into Action
From Voices to Action: Patient Organisations Shaping Health System Transformation,” was the theme of the International Alliance of Patient Organisations’ 11th Global Patients’ Congress in Manila, Philippines.
3 December 2025
Working Together Creates Greater Opportunities
ASIF is proud to be a member of both the Global Alliance for Patient Access (GAfPA) and the Global Remission Coalition (GRC). ASIF Trustees, Lillann Wermskog (Spafo Norway), Andri Phoka (CYLPER, Cyprus) and Prachee Bhosole (ASWS, India), alongside other members of ASIF and our Communications Manager, Jo de Bry, attended a GRC meeting in Barcelona during the EULAR Congress in June.
3 December 2025
TikTok and axSpA: How Accurate Is the Information?
Social media is a powerful tool for raising awareness and connecting people living with axSpA. But how reliable is the information we see online? Read the results from a new study presented at ACR.
Conferences and Events
About ASIF
Established in 1988, the Axial Spondyloarthritis International Federation is an international membership organisation representing patient associations around the globe specialising in the support of patients with axSpA with 56 Patient Organisation Members from 45 countries around the world.
ASIF’s Mission is to advocate globally to improve the lives of people affected by axial spondyloarthritis and related conditions. To grow, strengthen and empower our community, and to raise awareness around the world.