Cycling for a cause: Ankylosing spondylitis awareness

Join WHO and the Permanent Mission of Portugal for a 2110 km cycling journey from Geneve to Lisbon over 17 days to raise awareness for ankylosing spondylitis and support ANEA (National Ankylosing Spondylitis Association). This inspiring initiative aims to shed light on individuals’ challenges with this debilitating condition and advocate for improved support and research.

Event details

Date: 5 July 2024

Departure time: 09:30 CEST

Starting point: WHO headquarters campus, Geneva

Participants

Cyclists: Filipe Gaivão and Jose Manuel Marques

Permanent Mission of Portugal: Guilherme Duarte, Counselor Health Affairs; Tiago Serra Rodrigues, Deputy Permanent Representative for the WTO; Pedro Alvares, Technical Officer; and Mario Martins, Chargé D ’Affairs

WHO: Dr Alarcos Cieza, Unit Head, Department of Noncommunicable Diseases, Rehabilitation and Disability  

Purpose and impact

Ankylosing spondylitis is a chronic inflammatory disease that can cause significant disability. The inflammation can cause vertebrae and ribs to fuse, reducing flexibility and spine deformity.

The symptoms worsen over time. Although it cannot be cured, treatment and rehabilitation can reduce symptoms, slow the progression of the disease, and help maintain functioning.

This initiative is a testament to the participants’ commitment to advocating for better understanding, treatment, and support for those affected by the condition. The cyclists will conclude their journey in Lisbon, where they will be met by the President of the Republic, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, symbolizing the significance of this cause.

Ankylosing spondylitis key facts

• The prevalence of Ankylosing spondylitis varies by region: per 10 000 people, it is 23.8 in Europe, 16.7 in Asia, 31.9 in North America, 10.2 in Latin America, and 7.4 in Africa.
• Cases of Ankylosing spondylitis (as other musculoskeletal disorders) are predicted to have an increase of at least 50% between 2020 to 2050.
• The onset typically occurs in late adolescence or early adulthood; males are more often affected.
• Ankylosing spondylitis is not curable but pharmacological treatment and rehabilitation help to manage symptoms, slow the progress of the disease, and maintain optimal functioning.