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Since its creation, the Association française des Polyarthrites is doing everything possible to come to the aid of people with polyarthritic diseases and to help medical research make advances against this illness. Each year, with the help of sponsors, we organize a national information campaign with first-hand accounts and presentations by sufferers on radio and television stations, so that polyarthritis should be better understood by the general public. Last year, together with other associations, we asked the Minister of Health about the barriers to receiving innovative treatment for polyarthritis because of the cost. Because of this action, the Minister has made additional funds available so that more sufferers can benefit from new treatment. Recently, several associations dealing with chronic and serious inflammatory rheumatic illnesses who came together as an action group presented a text to the Minister of Health about the urgent need to make these illnesses a public health priority. Working sessions between the Minister, patient associations, and rheumatologists to consider how to implement a public health plan are in progress.

Musculoskeletal conditions (MSC) are among the most frequent in adults in France, with over 20% of the population experiencing bone, joint, and muscle disorders. MSC are an increasing health concern in France, growing in importance on the public health agenda. Some of the present governmental plans are connected with MSC (Pain, the Disabled, Nutrition, Geriatrics). An overview of the present situation in France is provided, regarding the burden, the present situation, and steps forward. Scientific societies and patient groups are actively involved in campaigning in several fields; 2 examples are described: osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis and spondyloarthropathies. The Bone and Joint Decade initiative, officially endorsed by the French Government on June 20, 2000, provides the opportunity to develop more coordinated actions through the national network and international partnership as well (including the European League Against Rheumatism) to finally improve the health-related quality of life for people with MSC.