20/10/2026
🌍On October 16, ahead of World Psoriasis Day, IFPA met with UN Ambassadors and representatives of Permanent Missions in Geneva to discuss how earlier and more effective treatment of psoriatic disease could potentially save billions for healthcare systems.
Ambassadors Einar Gunnarsson of Iceland, Revaz Lominadze of Georgia, and Juan Alberto Castillero Correa of Panama joined the meeting, together with Sandra Kauliņa-Anselēna, First Secretary at Latvia’s Permanent Mission, and Dr. José Antonio Ruiz-Postigo, Medical Officer at WHO.
The IFPA delegation was led by IFPA President Ingvar Ágúst Ingvarsson and included Elisa Martini, Policy and Advocacy Manager, and Elena Krivovyaz, Communications Lead.
Opening the meeting, Ingvar Ingvarsson reminded participants that psoriatic disease is far more than a skin condition. Behind every diagnosis there are stories, families and personal tragedies, he said.
In his opening remarks, Ambassador Einar Gunnarsson highlighted the close connection between health and human rights. He stressed that the meeting's focus on early intervention aligned closely with Iceland's current global health priorities.
📊 Elisa Martini presented new IFPA research examining the economic burden of psoriatic disease and its related comorbidities. The findings suggest that timely and effective treatment of psoriatic disease could reduce costs associated with cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity and depression by approximately 30–35%, potentially saving healthcare systems billions.
💜The discussion also turned to World Psoriasis Day 2026 and its theme, . Elena Krivovyaz introduced this year's campaign, focusing on young people living with psoriasis. With one in three experiencing their first symptoms before the age of 20, many face stigma, discrimination and missed opportunities during the formative years of their lives. The campaign calls for greater understanding, inclusion and recognition of young people's needs and rights.
🙏Our sincere gratitude to the Ambassadors and representatives of the Permanent Missions of Iceland, Georgia, Panama, Latvia and WHO for their time, commitment and support.