EU action on psoriasis

9.11.2012

Question for written answer E-010237-12
to the Commission
Rule 117
Oreste Rossi (EFD)

29 October was World Psoriasis Day. This day is dedicated to people with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis and aims to raise awareness of psoriasis as a chronic inflammatory disease of the immune system that affects nearly 3 % of the population worldwide, and approximately 14 million people in Europe.

Psoriasis is highly stigmatised and has a significant impact on the physical and psychological well-being of the people it affects. Academic studies have also calculated the economic impact of psoriasis on society, with the average annual cost of moderate to severe psoriasis found to range between EUR 3 000 and EUR 9 000 per patient.

Despite this, psoriasis has been a low priority on the EU and Member States’ healthcare agendas. As a consequence, people with psoriasis are prevented from receiving the care and treatment they require.

1. Given the prevalence of psoriasis in Europe, can the Commission explain why its EU health portal does not include a reference to psoriasis in the glossary of ‘health topics’?

2. Is the Commission planning to conduct or support campaigns or activities specifically aimed at raising awareness about the under-treatment of psoriasis in the Member States?

3. More particularly, will the Commission take any particular measures to improve the standards of care for people affected by psoriasis in the Member States?

4. Finally, can the Commission provide information on the funding available at EU level to carry out research on medical care for psoriasis?

OJ C 320 E, 06/11/2013