Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions are among the leading causes of disability worldwide, yet they remain underprioritized in national and global health agendas. This gap has real consequences: reduced mobility and independence, lower work participation and escalating financial strain on individuals, health care systems and wider society. A new article published in the Rheumatic Disease Clinics of North America journal takes a closer look at this challenge and highlights that remission is now an achievable goal for many with inflammatory rheumatic diseases.
An Overlooked Burden
MSK conditions affect an estimated 1.7 billion people globally and are a leading cause of disability, with low back pain ranking as the top contributor worldwide. Despite this scale, MSK health is often missing from international health priorities.
MSK is not just about mobility. These conditions are a major cause of work disability and lost productivity, creating ripple effects across economies and health systems.
Effective Solutions Already Exist
There have been major advances in MSK prevention, treatment and rehabilitation. Remission and functional recovery are achievable for many people with inflammatory rheumatic conditions, often through cost-effective interventions. But, these solutions are not being implemented consistently, with gaps in access, policy and care delivery leading to uneven outcomes.
The article makes it clear: this is not just a clinical challenge. Strengthening health systems through better policy, financing, workforce capacity and integrated services is essential to delivering high-quality care and improving outcomes.
A Clear Path Forward
The Global Alliance for Musculoskeletal Health (G-MUSC) has developed a roadmap to tackle MSK conditions, using the Global Remission Coalition as a case study, and input from hundreds of experts across over 70 countries. It outlines priority areas and concrete ways for countries to better their health systems, expand access to care and integrate MSK health into policy, using five guiding principles:
- Adaptability to local contexts
- Inclusiveness through broad consultation across economies and co-design, including patients
- Improve function, quality of life and overall health
- Adopt a life course approach to MSK health, from childhood to older age
- Equitable access to early, value-based care
The burden of MSK conditions is growing, but so is the opportunity to address it. With the right focus, collaboration and action, remission is possible.
Read the full article here: Health Systems Strengthening to Promote Access to Care for Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Diseases Globally
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