We are preparing for election year and asking all of our supporters to join us in working to make arthritis a major health issue for current and aspiring politicians. We know the facts:

  • 624,000 adults have a diagnosis of arthritis in New Zealand ( Ministry of Health New Zealand Health Survey)

  • Arthritis can affect people of any age and contrary to a widespread myth it does not only affect the elderly

  • Arthritis is a serious health issue that requires attention- and not dismissed as just a bit of arthritis

  • More people have arthritis than diabetes and heart disease combined

  • Half the clients who use the services of Arthritis New Zealand are of working age and  reducing barriers to their being able to stay in employment is one of our key priorities.

  • Gout is a form of arthritis and Māori and Pacific people men are more likely to be affected by gout because of their genetic makeup.

Unfortunately many people  are unaware of  these facts and we cannot assume they are common knowledge or widely understood. We continue to be frustrated with the myths that are perpetuated. Our task this year is to make sure that politicians of all parties become familiar with these facts and commit to improved management of all forms of arthritis.

During the last election  we were delighted to see the National Party make a commitment to funding improved services – a pledge which resulted in the establishment of Mobility Action Programmes around the country. These are pilots only and part of our task this year is to ensure that funding for these programmes continues.

We also need people to tell their stories about the challenges of living with arthritis so we can share them and educate not only politicians but the wider public. It is time to strenuously promote arthritis as a serious health issue!

Over the next few months we will be working on an arthritis manifesto and providing talking points and questions for our supporters to use. For this to be effective we need thousands of people to become involved- please join our team.

 

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