World Arthritis Day 2025

On World Arthritis Day 2025, Arthritis Australia marks 75 years of urging the community – and decision makers – to rally behind the 7 million whose lives are shaped by arthritis and musculoskeletal conditions.

For decades, arthritis and musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions have been underfunded compared to other major disease groups. In 2023, the government spent just $6 on research per Australian living with arthritis or an MSK condition through the NHMRC. That’s a fraction of the $108 per person for dementia, and $72 per person for cardiovascular disease.

This World Arthritis Day, Arthritis Australia is calling on the community to join our campaign urging the Commonwealth Government to establish an Arthritis and MSK Research Mission under the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF). This initiative would accelerate discovery, transform treatments, and improve the lives of over 7 million Australians living with chronic pain and, disability.

Our dream of freedom from arthritis.

This year’s World Arthritis Day theme, “Achieve Your Dreams,” challenges us to imagine an Australia where arthritis and chronic musculoskeletal pain no longer limits participation in education, work, and the daily activities many take for granted.

“By 2040, 30% more Australians will be living with arthritis – a staggering number of people in chronic pain and struggling with daily life, including many of working age and even younger,” said Louise Hardy, interim CEO Arthritis Australia. “Research investment is absolutely critical to improving quality of life, and ultimately finding cures.”

Every voice matters, every story makes a difference.

Arthritis Australia is mobilising Australians to advocate directly to their elected representatives through the Research Now campaign. People can quickly and easily email their MP or Senator using the online tool at https://arthritisaus.good.do/researchnow/Arthritis-MSK-Research/, or request a meeting to share their story in person.

Speak up, share your story and call for funding of an Arthritis and MSK MRFF Mission, you can help secure the research investment needed to change lives.

What you can do:

• Visit the campaign page to email your MP and Senators asking them to advocate for arthritis and MSK research funding.
• Share your story to help decision-makers understand the real-world impact of these conditions.
• Spread the word by sharing the campaign on social media and encouraging others to act.

On this World Arthritis Day, don’t be a bystander in Australia’s arthritis story. Help shape the future of research, restore hope for millions, and drive Australia toward a future where arthritis and MSK conditions no longer limit Australians from achieving their dreams.

Learn more and take action: https://arthritisaus.good.do/researchnow/Arthritis-MSK-Research/

Understanding Arthritis: Most Common Types and Where to Learn More

Often misunderstood, there are over 100 different types of arthritis, with the following being most common in Australia:

Osteoarthritis: The most common type, affecting over three million Australians by 2040 – especially women, who are 80% more likely to experience it. Learn more here.

Rheumatoid arthritis: This autoimmune form affects nearly 750,000 Australians by 2040, causing daily pain and disability. Learn more here.

Gout: A painful type of arthritis linked to uric acid build up, affecting tens of thousands nationwide. Learn more here. 

Juvenile arthritis: Up to 31,000 children and young adults face debilitating impacts early in life. Learn more here. 

Media Contact:
Arthritis Australia – 0424 055 149