Axial SpondyloArthritis Association of South Africa

The Axial Spondyloarthritis (AxSpA) Association of South Africa is a non-profit organization that aims to create awareness, educate and support those with the disease. The Association’s main objective is to be the primary resource for people diagnosed and living with AxSpA and related diseases in South Africa. The Association is working towards ensuring that all persons with AxSpA receive timely diagnosis and effective treatment and care, are empowered to take decisions about their health, and feel part of a supportive AxSpA community.

OUR VISION

To be the primary resource for people diagnosed and living with axSpA & related diseases in South Africa. We want to ensure that every person with axial SpA (AS) receives a timely diagnosis and effective treatment and care, is empowered to take decisions about their health, and feels part of a supportive axial SpA (AS) community.

OUR MISSION

Create awareness of & related diseases in order to ease the path to diagnosis.

WHAT IS Axial Spondyloarthritis? Also known as axSpA or axial SpA), it is one of a group of inflammatory rheumatic diseases known as Spondyloarthritis that share clinical and genetic features. AxSpA is a progressive chronic inflammatory disease that primarily affects the spine and the sacroiliac (SI) joints that connect the lower spine to the pelvis. This results in pain and stiffness in the lower back, hips, and buttocks. It can also affect other joints in the body, as well as tendons and ligaments. It causes inflammation and can lead to chronic pain, and impairments in mobility.

How do I know I have AS?

Do you have:

Back pain caused by inflammatory arthritis
Gradual onset of pain
Persistent pain in the lower back, buttocks, and/or hips longer than 3 months
Pain/stiffness in the back and /or hips worse with immobility, especially at night and early morning
Back pain and stiffness tend to ease with physical activity and exercise.
Tiredness and fatigue
Inflammation of the eyes (ie. iritis or uveitis)

Our current projects include :

Voice of the Patient: Programme where we give life witness to patients who have the disease.

Delay to Diagnosis: Programme where we use public announcements and educate Health Care Providers about the signs and symptoms of AxSpA.

World AS day is celebrated on the first Saturday of May every year.

Pictured below: Supporters of our walk held to raise awareness about the disease on AS Day.

A list of our needs: Funding for those not on medical aid to get Biologic medication.

Biologic Funding for the Association to try to get Biologic medication recognized as a Prescribed Minimum Benefit by the Council of Medical Schemes (CMS), Awareness for early diagnosis.

You can find us at www.axspasa.org.za We are also on Facebook.

OR you can contact our Chairperson: Maranda van Dam on 082 900 7122

Click on the link below should you wish to make a donation.

https://axspasa.org.za/donate/