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
18 December 2024
Bringing Together Patient Representatives at the ASIF Council Meeting
Perhaps the most important outcome from the meeting was the sharing of experiences and the strengthening of new and existing relationships.
18 December 2024
ASIF and ASOPAN sign MOU
At ASIF we are always working to increase our understanding, from an axSpA perspective, of the differences between countries’ healthcare systems and the often complex social issues that affect people’s health. We are now increasing our focus on Latin America.
18 December 2024
Rheumacensus
The challenges that come with axSpA can be varied, which calls for a personalised approach to care. Shared decision-making encapsulates this idea by bringing together the expertise of healthcare professionals (HCPs) and the lived experience of those with axSpA to create a strong alliance in the management of healthcare decisions.
ASIF programmes
18 December 2024
World AS Day
Save the date! We are working hard on creating an exciting new campaign for World AS Day 2025! More info coming soon!
18 December 2024
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.
18 December 2024
Patient Resources
Have you visited our Resources pages yet? We have resources for patient organisations, people living with axSpA and HCPs.
From around the world
18 September 2024
Fundación de Espondilitis Anquilosante en Colombia
Since its creation, the Ankylosing Spondylitis Foundation in Colombia has contributed to helping those patients recently diagnosed, guiding, and promoting care to achieve a better quality of life and effectiveness in treatments or medical recommendations.
18 September 2024
EULAR PARE Conference
The EULAR PARE Conference is an annual educational and networking event featuring a different topic each year and offering a high-quality programme for the RMD community with keynote speakers, debates and workshops spanning three days.
18 September 2024
Making Access Happen
As we know, timely access to affordable and appropriate medications can significantly improve health outcomes and enhance quality of life. By expanding treatment options and promoting competition, generic and biosimilar medicines can improve access, sustainability of healthcare systems, and alleviate the societal burden of untreated illnesses.
18 December 2024
New President for CEADE
Marco Garrido, who already served on the Executive Board as liaison with ASIF, has been elected as the new President, accompanied by an experienced team of patient representatives.
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.