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
8 July 2026
EULAR 2026, London
Watch videos and read our report on the recent EULAR congress. The congress provided an expansive scientific programme as well as a dedicated PARE (People with Arthritis and Rheumatism in Europe) programme, aimed at those working with patient organisations and people who live with rheumatic conditions.
8 July 2026
Collaboration in Action: What to Expect
Collaboration is the theme of this year’s Council Meeting. It is more than just a conference - it is a celebration of our shared mission and is a unique opportunity to learn from one another.
8 July 2026
Emily joins ASIF
We are delighted to introduce Emily Kirkpatrick who has joined the ASIF team as Project Coordinator/Operations Assistant. Emily is working closely with team on the International Map of Axial Spondyloarthritis and Psoriatic Arthritis (IMAP) project and is supporting a range of operational activities across the organisation.
ASIF programmes
8 July 2026
IMAP: Building the Next Phase Together
Over the past few months, we have been laying the foundations for what will become ASIF’s most ambitious and biggest programme to date, designed to deepen global understanding of both axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA).
8 July 2026
World AS Day 2026: Our Biggest Year Yet!
This year’s story-led campaign reached more people than ever before. Across ASIF’s channels alone, we connected with over 51 million people and generated more than 56 million impressions, while driving nearly 100,000 visits to World AS Day resources.
8 July 2026
LAMAS
The LAMAS report presents findings from the Latin American component of the International Map of Axial Spondyloarthritis (IMAS) where the study was conducted in Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, and Mexico.
11 March 2026
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
8 July 2026
Introducing tRi, Ghana
The Rheumatology Initiative (tRi) was established in with a vision to help make a difference to people living with Rheumatic and autoimmune diseases in Ghana.
8 July 2026
Introducing INAPE, Brazil
The National Institute for the Support of People with Spondyloarthritis (INAPE) is a Brazilian non-profit organisation dedicated to supporting, educating and defending the rights of people living with spondyloarthritis and other immune-mediated rheumatic diseases.
8 July 2026
Introducing Icelandic League Against Rheumatism
In a country like Iceland, with a population of just under 400,000 people, it is neither practical nor sustainable to establish separate organisations for each rheumatic disease. Instead, The Icelandic League Against Rheumatism operates as an umbrella organisation for all rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases, including axial spondyloarthritis and other inflammatory conditions.
8 July 2026
From Listening to Building
A room in Groote Schuur Hospital in Cape Town, South Africa on a Friday afternoon. Twenty-four patients, five caregivers, nine rheumatic and related conditions. This was ASASA's second Hand in Hand patient support meeting, and it was the most revealing one I have been part of.
8 July 2026
Exploring the Value of Remission during the World Health Assembly
During the 79th World Health Assembly in Geneva, Jo Davies attended a roundtable convened by the Global Remission Coalition and Global Alliance for Musculoskeletal Health.
8 July 2026
From Promise to Practice
ASIF Trustee, Prachee Bhosle, represented ASIF at the Biosimilar Patient Leaders’ Workshop organised by Medicines for Europe on 6 May 2026, followed by the Biosimilar Conference held from 7–8 May in Amsterdam.
8 July 2026
Making Access Happen - Sandoz Global Access Forum 2026
The Global Access Forum by Making Access Happen, organised by Sandoz, took place in Munich from 17th to 19th June 2026. The forum was a highly enriching experience, bringing together patient organisations and advocacy representatives from across the globe for three days of learning, dialogue, and collaboration.
8 July 2026
Watch On Demand: “Not Just Back Pain – Patient Experiences”
The Ankylosing Spondylitis Foundation in Colombia recently hosted an informative Spanish-language webinar to mark World AS Day dedicated to people living with axSpA. Titled “Not Just Back Pain – Patient Experiences,” the session highlighted the real-life experiences of patients and provided valuable clinical insight into this often misunderstood condition.
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.