ASIF Council Meeting
45 representatives from ASIF Members from 25 different countries will gather in Colombia in October for our biennial in- person Council Meeting. Find out more about the programme...
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
12 September 2024
Focusing on Latin America
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.
26 June 2024
Shining a Spotlight on IMAS
Shining a spotlight on the real-life impact of axSpA The Spotlight on IMAS event brought together people living with axSpA, representatives from patient organisations, rheumatologists, researchers, and some of our industry partners.
12 September 2024
ASIF Council Meeting
45 representatives from ASIF Members from 25 different countries will gather in Colombia in October for our biennial in- person Council Meeting. Find out more about the programme...
ASIF programmes
12 September 2024
World AS Day
Thank you to our members for providing feedback on this year’s World AS Day campaign. Understanding what worked, what could be improved and hearing your ideas for future campaigns is invaluable as we evaluate the campaign’s success and begin thinking about 2025.
12 April 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.
12 April 2024
Patient Resources
Did you know we have a set of three new infographics, which help to support people living with axSpA? The resources aim to inform people how disease activity is typically measured; support them in building a partnership with their doctor; and assist them in focusing on their personal and lifestyle goals.
From around the world
11 September 2024
SpA Congress, Belgium
The annual International Congress on Spondyloarthritides took place in Ghent between 5 and 7 September. This unique event brings together the world’s leading clinicians and researchers, focussing solely of the disease area of spondyloarthritis. The congress is an important yearly event, ensuring that those working to develop better understanding of, and treatments for, spondylarthritis get the opportunity to share their work and hear from other experts in the field.
11 September 2024
Bekhterev Norge
Bekhterev Norge was initially funded as a diagnosis specific part of the Norwegian Rheumatology Association (NRF) in 1986. The aim was to increase the focus and awareness on axSpA within the full set of rheumatic diseases. Bekhterev Norge was established as a separate organisation in 2018.
11 September 2024
Reporting on EULAR 2024
Attending EULAR is one of the highlights of ASIF’s year. It is an opportunity to share our work with the international rheumatology and healthcare community, connect with our members and meet with our supporters.
11 September 2024
Improving Access for Patients
The introduction of biosimilars – which are almost identical versions of ‘originator’ biologics whose patents have expired – is changing the prescribing landscape in axSpA. It is helping reduce costs to patients and healthcare systems and, if those cost savings are reinvested in axSpA services, can also lead to overall patient care being improved.
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.