About World AS Day – Saturday 3 May
World AS Day is an annual day dedicated to people living with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA). It is celebrated across the world on the first Saturday of May.
Our members and supporters organise activities around the world to raise awareness of axSpA and related conditions. ASIF has 55 Patient Organisation Members from more than 45 countries around the world.
Countdown to
3 MAY
WORLD AS DAY
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What is axSpA?
Axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) is a progressive chronic inflammatory disease that primarily affects the spine and the sacroiliac joints that connect the lower spine to the pelvis.
Could it be axSpA?
The main symptom of axSpA is pain in the spine and sacroiliac joints, caused by chronic inflammation
Symptoms vary from person to person, but almost always include:
- Symptoms which start before the age of 45 (can occur in children or rarely later in life)
- Persistent lower back pain for more than 3 months
- Pain and stiffness, which improve with activity and exercise and worsen with rest – especially overnight and morning stiffness that lasts 30 minutes or more
- Pain which responds well to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (for example ibuprofen).
Check your symptoms using a free Symptom Checker here.
Aim of World AS Day
World AS Day is dedicated to people living with axial spondyloarthritis. AxSpA is a rheumatic inflammatory disease primarily affecting the spine and sacroiliac joints, also called ‘Morbus Bechterew’ in some European countries. It can lead to chronic pain, structural damage and disability.
Raising awareness
AxSpA affects millions of people around the world.
World AS Day aims to raise the profile of this disease and increase awareness of the impact it has on people’s lives, physically, mentally and emotionally.
Sharing information
Most people have not heard of axial spondyloarthritis.
On World AS Day, we encourage people to share information to raise awareness about axSpA.
Connecting with each other, being together
On World AS Day, connect with others affected by axSpA.
Join a virtual or face-to-face event, go for a walk with a friend, react to people’s social media posts or share your own stories with your community using #WorldASDay2025.
World AS Day 2025 Theme
Axial spondyloarthritis (or axSpA) is a chronic inflammatory disease that causes pain and stiffness in your lower back, hips, and buttocks. Unlike other types of back pain, the pain and stiffness improve with movement and get worse with rest. Left untreated, axSpA can lead to chronic pain and limited mobility.
This year’s theme, "Lace Up for axSpA", encourages both awareness and action. The imagery of lacing up symbolises the active effort needed to understand what it’s like to live with axSpA illustrating the daily challenges faced by those living with axSpA. Even a seemingly simple task like tying shoelaces can become a significant hurdle for individuals experiencing the pain and limited mobility associated with this condition.
By focusing on this relatable action, the theme invites everyone to better understand and empathise with the realities of living with axSpA while inspiring collective efforts toward improved awareness, support, and care for those affected.
The campaign will also focus on recognising symptoms and empowering earlier diagnosis and better management. By sharing stories of resilience it builds connection. Understanding the campaign celebrates progress and hope, urging collective efforts to improve awareness, treatments, and strengthen support systems for individuals living with axSpA.
ASIF is grateful to CEADE for the idea and conceptualisation of this campaign; we recognise that the campaign stems from CEADE’s work and are grateful for the opportunity to develop it further and implement it with the support of the global axSpA community.
axSpA is an everyday challenge
Did you know that everyday tasks that most people take for granted - such as tying shoelaces, driving, or even getting out of bed - can be monumental challenges for people living with axSpA? This inflammatory condition can cause chronic pain, stiffness, and fatigue, making even the simplest movements a struggle.
Imagine having difficulty with such small everyday tasks as:
Getting up from your bed in the morning: Starting the day is one of the hardest parts. Morning stiffness can make it difficult to sit up, stand, or even move without discomfort.
Getting ready and dressed: Even basic hygiene like bathing, washing hair, or bending down to cut toenails - requires extra effort. In addition, tasks like pulling a t-shirt over your head, putting on socks, or styling hair can cause discomfort and frustration.
Driving or cycling: Turning your head to check blind spots can be nearly impossible, requiring adaptations like extended mirrors.
Reaching up or looking up: Putting a bag in an overhead locker while travelling or reaching for an item on a high shelf can become an exhausting feat.
Looking before crossing the road: Limited neck mobility can make it difficult to do a quick check for traffic - instead sometimes requiring a full body turn.
Caring for others: Picking up a child, sitting on the floor to play, or tidying toys can be physically draining.
Social interactions: Having to explain why you can’t turn your head to look at someone while they are talking can be embarrassing, and leaning in to kiss someone on the cheek can easily be misjudged and result in an uncomfortable headbutt.
Household chores: Tasks such as mopping, sweeping, or cleaning windows take a toll on the back, neck, and shoulders.
Fatigue often forces people with axSpA to cancel plans, sit out of activities, or explain why they’re unable to engage as they used to. This isn’t about lack of willingness - it’s the reality of living with a chronic, invisible illness.
Raising awareness about these challenges is essential for building empathy and creating supportive communities for those living with axSpA. Together, we can help make life easier and more inclusive for everyone affected.
Global Events
Each year organisations and patients from all over the world take part in raising awareness for World AS Day in their local communities and online. You can see a list of all the events here.
Follow our Social Media channels and visit this page to stay up to date with new events as they are confirmed.
Hosting an event? Share the details via the form and we will publish it here!
2025 Global Spondyloarthritis Summit
Online Event
Summit
by SAA
2-3 May
Key Messages
Turning Small Acts into Big Conversations
Every time we tie our laces, we perform a task many take for granted. For those living with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA), this everyday act symbolises resilience in the face of challenges. By sharing photos of tying orange laces, we spark meaningful conversations about the realities of living with axSpA and amplify the voices of those impacted.
Recognise the Signs, Transform Lives
Early detection can change the trajectory of axSpA. By raising awareness of symptoms - such as chronic back pain, stiffness, and fatigue - we empower individuals to seek a timely diagnosis and begin a path to better management. Together, we’re lighting the way to earlier intervention and improved quality of life.
Strength in Stories, Power in Connection
Behind every photo and post lies a unique story of perseverance. By sharing personal experiences of navigating daily challenges, we connect a global community, build empathy, and inspire a greater understanding of axSpA’s impact - not just on bodies, but on lives and aspirations.
A Movement of Hope, One Step at a Time
Our campaign isn’t just about the struggles; it’s about celebrating strength, progress, and hope. Every orange lace tied and every story shared adds to a movement that highlights what’s possible with the right support, awareness, and care.
Together, We Create Change
This is more than a campaign - it’s a call to action. By raising awareness of the unseen burden of axSpA, we are advocating for earlier diagnosis, improved treatments, and better support. Together, we can drive real change and create a future where no one faces these challenges alone.
Resources
World AS Day 2025 Logo
Toolkit
Social Media Downloadable Assets
Social Media Posts - Canva editable
Social Media Covers - Canva editable
Website Banners and Email Footers
Get Involved
Lace up challenge!
Take a photo or video of you tying your shoelaces - get some orange laces if you can - or you can use your regular laces. Post your photo or video on social media using #WorldASDay2025, #LaceUpForAxSpA and #EverydayChallanges. Raising awareness together can help and show the world how small tasks can become big challenges for people living with axSpA.
Add something about your personal experience with axSpA – do you or a loved one have the condition?
You can add the following to your post:
I’m raising awareness about axial spondyloarthritis (#axSpA) by participating in #LaceUpForAxSpA on #WorldASDay2025.
You can add something about your story here.
Or use the following:
AxSpA is a chronic rheumatic disease that can cause severe pain and stiffness in the lower back, hips and buttocks and if left untreated can cause permanent damage to your spine. The pain often gets worse with rest and often appears before the age of 40.
Find out more at asif.info/worldasday
Be present on Social Media
Raise awareness by sharing our social media posts, on Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn and TikTok – remember to use #WorldASDay2025. React and duet our content on TikTok as well!
We love to see how creative you can be.
Get in touch with your local patient organisation
Contact your local patient organisation to see what they are planning on World AS Day, get involved and join their events.
Join an event or host your own
Check out the list of in-person and online events. Organising an event? Let us know using our form and let everyone know on social media using #WorldASDay2025.
We created a special toolkit that shares some examples of challenges that you can use when hosting your events to demonstrate the everyday challenges that people living with axSpA face.
Use World AS Day 2025 Resources
Download our resources and share the campaign with your local community.
2025 Global Spondyloarthritis Summit
The 7th Annual Global Spondyloarthritis Summit, hosted by the Spondylitis Association of America (SAA), will be held virtually on 2-3 May. ASIF partners with the SAA on this patient-focused educational event.
Under the theme "Comorbidities: A Whole-Body Approach to Spondyloarthritis Care” this year’s Summit features 12 experts from the international community who will focus on SpA and its comorbidities. Topics to be covered include: Cardiovascular Disease and SpA; Inflammatory Bowel Disease and SpA; Pain, Fatigue and SpA; Psoriasis and SpA, and Uveitis and SpA. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions of the experts during the Live Q&A following each presentation and will have opportunities to connect with others in our global community.
Registration will open in March for this event at SAA's 2025 Global Spondyloarthritis Summit
Walk Your AS Off Is Back in 2025!
Find Your Happy Pace!
The Spondylitis Association of America (SAA) is proud to take Walk Your AS Off into the future and continue the amazing work that founder Jenna Visscher began years ago. It is now easier than ever to participate in Walk Your AS Off!
The Spondylitis Association of America (SAA) is proud to take Walk Your AS Off into the future and continue the amazing work that founder Jenna Visscher began years ago. It is now easier than ever to participate in Walk Your AS Off!
Join the community and count your steps with SAA’s new step counter cleverly integrated into the SAA website when you login. Should you walk with us? Yes! Most people with spondylitis benefit from regular exercise. And remember all exercise counts and can be converted into steps. Whether it is work around the house or garden, yoga, or cycling, it can all be converted!
Simply login into your SAA account, choose “My Account” in the drop-down menu. From there choose “My Steps” which will show step count and team assignment.
If the walker isn’t on a team, there is an option to join one!
Feel free to direct all questions and inquiries to Sean Ewert, SAA Director of Member Engagement.
Contact email: sean.ewert@spondylitis.org
For more information or to register: spondylitis.org/walk-your-as-off
Get in Touch
If you have a question or want to share your plans,
please get in touch by emailing
