Rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs)\nrepresent a multitude of degenerative, inflammatory and autoimmune\nconditions affecting millions of people worldwide.\nPersons with these diseases may potentially experience severe\nchronic pain, joint damage, increasing disability and even\ndeath.With an increasingly ageing population, the prevalence\nand burden of RMDs are predicted to increase, placing greater\ndemands on the global practice of rheumatology and related\nhealthcare budgets. Effective treatment of RMDs currently\nfaces a number of challenges in both the developed and\ndeveloping world, and individual countries may face more\nspecific local challenges. However, limited understanding of\nthe burden of RMDs amongst public health professionals and\npolicy-makers means that these diseases are often not considered\na public health priority. The objective of this review is to\nincrease awareness of the RMDs and to identify opportunities\nto address RMD challenges on both a local and global scale.\nOn 26 September 2014, rheumatology experts from five different\ncontinents met at the World Forum on Rheumatic and\nMusculoskeletal Diseases (WFRMD) to discuss and identify
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