March is Autoimmune Awareness Month, a moment to recognize that autoimmune diseases are a growing global health challenge that demands urgent attention.  

An autoimmune disease occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the body instead of defending it. It can affect the joints, muscles, skin, blood vessels, and digestive, endocrine or nervous systems. Globally, autoimmune diseases affect an estimated 5-10% of the world population and impact women roughly twice as much as men.  

Burden of Autoimmune Conditions 

A prevalent category of autoimmune disease is inflammatory forms of arthritis, which affect the joints, surrounding tissues and other connective tissues. One common type, rheumatoid arthritis, affects over 17.8 million people worldwide, with nearly 30% requiring assistance with daily activities. Diagnosing and treating early is critical. Specifically, acting within three months of symptom onset, known as the “therapeutic window of opportunity,”  can double a patient’s chance at achieving remission.  

Other types of autoimmune conditions include psoriasis, inflammatory bowel diseases, type 1 diabetes and more. The physical toll – inflammation, pain, fatigue – is often followed by an emotional burden. Over half of people with an autoimmune condition experience anxiety and depression, worsening treatment adherence, outcomes and quality of life.  

The Value of Remission 

Though autoimmune diseases cannot be fully cured, remission, sometimes also known as minimal disease activity, is key to alleviating symptoms and maintaining a high quality of life. To achieve remission, these chronic conditions require individualized, ongoing support. While the types of management for each condition vary, the importance of early diagnosis and treatment remains. 

This Autoimmune Awareness Month, the Global Remission Coalition calls on health systems to recognize the value of remission by: 

• Understanding the holistic burden of autoimmune conditions 

• Prioritizing early diagnosis and treatment  

• Ensuring ongoing management and support.  

To learn more about the value of remission, visit the Global Remission Coalition’s resources.