Media Release
27 February 2014
Arthritis is common... and also rare
Arthritis New Zealand Chief Executive Sandra Kirby wants us to be more aware of the rarer forms of arthritis this Friday
28 February, which is Rare Disease Day.
“There are more than 140 different forms of arthritis, and many of these can be classified as ‘rare diseases’,” said Ms
Kirby. “But while most people are familiar with the more common forms of arthritis, such as osteoarthritis and gout,
other equally challenging forms of arthritis, such as scleroderma, and diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH),
are far less visible.”
“Arthritis New Zealand supports Rare Diseases Day as a way to remember people with less common forms of arthritis. Rare
Diseases Day can bring hope and information to people living with rare diseases, their carers and their families. It
reminds all of us that diagnosis and treatment for some conditions is very challenging.”
“Arthritis can strike any one, at any age. One in six New Zealanders are living with the pain of arthritis. And many of
them will have one of the rarer forms.”
“Arthritis New Zealand provides advocacy and support for those affected by the rarer forms of arthritis as well as the
more common ones,” Ms Kirby concluded.
ends