PAM highlights the essential role of family in enhancing quality of life

PAM Highlights Family Support at World Psoriasis Day 2024

• Over 100 participants gathered at Central Piazza, KL Gateway Mall, for World Psoriasis Day 2024 under the theme “Healthy Skin, Happy Family.”
• The Psoriasis Association of Malaysia (PAM) hosted talks, health screenings, and workshops, empowering patients and their families with practical tools and support.

Kuala Lumpur, 28 November 2024 – The vital role of family support in managing psoriasis took centre stage at the World Psoriasis Day 2024 event on November 9 at KL Gateway Mall. Organized by the Psoriasis Association of Malaysia (PAM), the event aimed to bring hope and resilience to individuals with psoriasis by emphasizing the power of family involvement in easing the physical and emotional burdens of the condition.

“Psoriasis impacts more than just the individual—it often affects the entire family,” noted Dr. Azura Mohd Affandi, PAM’s Medical Advisor. “As families support their loved ones, they also face emotional challenges like anxiety, sadness, and social stigma.” This year’s theme, Healthy Skin, Happy Family, underscored how family support plays an essential role in improving both health outcomes and overall well-being for people affected by psoriasis.

Family involvement goes beyond practical caregiving; it reinforces treatment adherence, leading to better outcomes and more positive experiences for everyone involved. When patients experience relief and stability, the entire family shares in that increased joy and connection. A supportive, well-informed family fosters a positive environment, which helps patients cope with both the physical symptoms and emotional strain of the condition.

Ms. Sofia Lovi Ramasamy, Interim President of PAM, emphasized PAM’s commitment to raising awareness and reducing stigma through outreach efforts aimed at underserved communities, including low-income families, school children, and rural areas. “Our initiatives foster greater understanding and acceptance of psoriasis across diverse populations. However, we need to do more. We will expand our awareness efforts through greater utilisation of social media channels and adoption of digital resources,” she said.

The event also highlighted the need for broader access to advanced treatments. While topical and systemic therapies are available, access to phototherapy and biologic treatments remains limited. According to Dr. Azura, who is also the National Head of the Dermatology Subspecialty, Ministry of Health, “Biologic access in Malaysia can be optimized.According to the Twelfth Report of the Malaysian Psoriasis Registry (2020-2022), although 17.6% of patients were reported to have severe psoriasis, only 4.4% currently receive biologic treatment.”

Biologic treatments, though costly, have shown remarkable improvements in managing severe psoriasis, often reducing symptoms by up to 90-100%. “These treatments can transform lives,” explained Ms. Patrina Tang, PAM’s Secretary. “Our mission goes beyond raising awareness; we seek to build empathy and expand access to treatments that enable patients to thrive. With effective support, those with psoriasis can lead fulfilling lives and contribute to their communities, which strengthens society as a whole.”

PAM is exploring partnerships with healthcare providers to make these advanced treatments more affordable and accessible to Malaysians.

The day’s activities included a photography exhibition, specialist talks, and skin consultations to build public understanding of psoriasis. Dr. Azura presented findings from the Malaysian Psoriasis Registry report (2020-2022), sharing that from 2007 to 2022, the registry recorded 28,795 psoriasis patients, with 93.6% adults and 6.4% children. The actual number of people affected may be higher, estimated around 117,000 based on a prevalence rate of 0.34% from a recent study.

Public talks on Psoriasis and the Family by Dr. Moonyza Akmal from Hospital Kuala Lumpur and Dr. Siti Nuraihan from Hospital Selayang highlighted how family support enhances patient care. Young poets Yuslina and Wan Dahlia Qaireen offered heartfelt recitals, with 13-year-old Wan Dahlia remarking, “Though I’m not a psoriasis patient, I can feel their pain. With family support, this pain can be overcome.”

In his closing remarks, Dr. K. Thiruchelvam, PAM Advisor, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to reducing stigma and advocating for better care options. “Family support is crucial to the well-being of people with psoriasis, helping them manage their condition and improve quality of life. Through awareness, stigma reduction, and policy support, PAM aims to empower patients to lead healthier, more fulfilling lives.”

Ms. Melissa Hon, Country Head, Communications & Patient Advocacy at Novartis Malaysia, expressed hercompany’s dedication to improving patient outcomes. “At Novartis, we believe raising awareness and empowering families is essential to better patient care. We’re proud to partner with PAM in creating a world where psoriasis patients can thrive with the support of their loved ones,” she said.

PAM extends its sincere thanks to event sponsors (Boehringer-Ingelheim, Novartis, AbbVie, DKSH, Johnson and Johnson, Pan Malaysian Pools, Selangor State Government, Ego Pharmaceutical, e’lioe, Cambridge English for life, Nestle, PPM, RPM, MACP, IG Advertising, Galderma, MooGoo and Suu Balm), volunteers, presenters and participants who contributed to the success of World Psoriasis Day 2024.

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