Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Diseases Study Group EULAR Public Health in Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Diseases Study Group Anthony D. Woolf, Helga Radner, Axel Finckh, Ingemar F Petersson, Laure Gossec, Suzanne M.M. Verstappen Background: Specific objectives: Target population: Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Diseases (RMDs) cause the greatest burden of disability in Europe and is increasing. This relates to the ageing of the population and changes in determinants of musculoskeletal health such as obesity, reduced physical activity, and accidents and injuries. Musculoskeletal health and the mobility and dexterity it gives is essential for economic independence at all ages and healthy active ageing. Loss of mobility is a determinant of many other aspects of poor health. In addition, RMDs are the greatest cause of work loss in Europe along with mental health problems. WHO European Action Plan for the Prevention and Control of Non-communicable Diseases also recognises this burden of RMDs. EULAR will have a significant influence on EU level, and assists actions on national level, towards improving research funding, social policy legislation, and quality of care. EULAR will have raised standards of care by elaborating and actively promoting, disseminating and implementing EULAR recommendations and criteria for the most common rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases. EULAR will have raised its profile and visibility to patients and health care providers Start date: 2017/2018 People who are at risk of developing RMDs, People with RMDs. WHO and EU. Relevant Public Health Bodies in different countries. Relevant Governmental bodies and National Institutes in different countries. National and International professional organisations , e.g.: Rheumatologists Orthopaedic Surgeons Rehabilitation Specialists General Practitioners Vocational Physicians Physical Therapist Occupational Therapists Nurses Dieticians Overview / Implementation best practice to prevent RMDs in Europe Support the development of a EULAR Strategy and Action plan for Promoting Musculoskeletal Health Key Anticipated Outcomes Inform WHO Task Force: Conveners: Suzanne Verstappen (United Kingdom), Helga Radner (Austria) and Anthony Woolf (united Kingdom) Methodologist Fellows Health Care Professional Epidemiologist / Public Health Researchers Patients Aim: Overview / Implementation best practice of the progression of RMDs in Europe To develop Points to Consider for the Promotion of Musculoskeletal Health, that will form the core of targeted strategies for the prevention of the occurrence or prevention of the progression of RMDs and associated disability that can inform policy makers and be the basis of concerted action. Information: For more information: Suzan Verstappen: suzanne.verstappen@manchester.ac.uk Anthony Woolf: anthony.woolf@btopenworld.com