Arthritis Ireland's vision is for a future free from arthritis.

Obviously this is a major challenge but in order to move towards this becoming a reality seven key goals have been identified, which we will be aiming to achieve over the next 10 years. We will assess progress against each of these goals using existing information sources and, where necessary, by collecting information.

The goals, which are reviewed annually, cannot be achieved alone and we will actively encourage others in government, the HSE, academic institutions, our medical colleagues, industry and other partners within the not-for-profit sector to work with us.

By working with our partners we will:

1. Raise awareness and understanding of arthritis as a chronic illness and a cause worth supporting

Our work will ensure that a significant proportion of the Irish population are aware of the pain and disability associated with arthritis and will know how to reduce their risk of developing it. Awareness and understanding of arthritis will increase and this will improve engagement of the affected population, and also the general public, with Arthritis Ireland.

2. Ensure more people with arthritis will remain active and free from pain

At least half of arthritis sufferers across all age groups will understand the value of regular, appropriate exercise and be able to undertake their normal everyday activities without pain. 

3. Reduce the economic impact of arthritis and musculoskeletal diseases (MSDs) on the individual patient, their family and the wider economy

The number of working days lost through MSDs and the significant cost to the exchequer resulting from absenteeism as a result of arthritis will be significantly reduced.

4. Ensure greater access to health services and reduce the waiting periods to access specialist consultants and allied health professional supports in specialist clinics

Currently Ireland has one of the lowest ratios of rheumatologists per head of population in the world. Working closely with our HSE partners, we are advocating for more consultant posts, more allied health professionals and nurse specialist supports to ensure patients do not wait more than six weeks to access a specialist clinic for their first visit.

5. Reduce pain and disability in children with arthritis, allowing them to have a normal future

Around 1000 children under the age of 16 in Ireland are living with juvenile arthritis. We aim to ensure that these children and their families live a normal life through the provision of our vital support programmes and also by advocating for increased specialist consultant care and appropriate supports at secondary and primary care levels.

6. Reduce the physical and psychological impact of arthritis on the population through early intervention and swifter diagnosis of the disease

Clinical evidence shows that early intervention can significantly reduce the physical impact of arthritis and contribute to better health outcomes. Through greater public awareness and increased engagement with health services, especially at GP level, the general population will be aware of the early signs of arthritis, act quickly and be referred with minimum delay to a specialist unit for early diagnosis and treatment.

7. Be at the forefront of efforts to develop new treatments for arthritis

We know from talking to our members that understanding the causes and ultimately finding a cure for arthritis is of significant importance. We aim to play a key role in the quest to achieve this, reducing pain, increasing mobility and allowing for a normal quality of life.