May 12 is World Fibromyalgia Day. A disease which is characterized by chronic diffuse pain and which would affect more than one in 100 adults in France. Date, origin, events, blue ribbon, numbers…
This year in France and all over the world, the May 12 is dedicated to the world fibromyalgia day (and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome), the main symptom of which is chronic diffuse painoften associated with other symptoms such as intense fatigue, sleep disturbances, attention and memory. The objective of this day? Raise awareness and disseminate as much information as possible to the general public, the media and the medical profession on fibromyalgia (or fibromyalgia syndrome) which would affect at least 1.6% of the French adult populationreports the Ministry of Health (between 1.4 and 2.2% of French adults according toInserm). Fibromyalgia has been recognized in 1992 by the World Health Organization. But because of its heterogeneous clinical manifestations, a difficult diagnosis and its great variability in its severity, fibromyalgia remains, even today, a complex disease to understand. Date, origin, actions, ribbon… All about World Fibromyalgia Day.
What is the origin of Fibromyalgia Day?
May 12 is a symbolic date that was not chosen at random to “celebrate” fibromyalgia. This is the birthday of Florence Nightingalea nurse born in 1820 in Great Britain who, despite her severe form of fibromyalgia (she spent the last 50 years of her life bedridden), created the Foundation of the International Red Cross as well as the first school of nurses.
When is Fibromyalgia Day 2024?
Fibromyalgia Day will take place on Sunday, May 12, 2024. It will be the 31st edition.
Why wear a blue ribbon for Fibromyalgia Day?
To support fibromyalgia patients, each of us is invited to wear on our clothes or bag a pin or a blue ribbonsymbol of the recognition of Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, created in 2006 by theFibromyalgiaSOS Association. Ribbons and pins are available for purchase on the Association website (a ribbon = 2 euros, a pin = 3 euros, the prices are decreasing if you buy several)
What are the actions for World Fibromyalgia Day?
Despite notable advances in the diagnosis, recognition and management of the disease, fibromyalgia remains relatively unknown. Mainly because there is a wide variety of symptoms And impact varies from person to person and over time. Actions carried out by the Ministry to improve the health journey and quality of life of people with chronic pain and fibromyalgia revolves around 4 axis :
- Better inform
- Diagnose earlier
- Better structure the supply chain supported chronic pain
- Strengthen research on chronic pain and fibromyalgia
What are the figures for fibromyalgia in France?
- At least 12 million French people suffer from chronic pain, half of them with an impaired quality of life (Ministry of Health). Pain is the first reason for consultation, in the emergency services and with the general practitioner.
- 1.6% of the adult population would be affected by fibromyalgia in France (Ministry of Health)
- Fibromyalgia affects mostly women, aged 30 to 55without explanation to date: 8 to 9 cases out of 10 (Health Insurance)
What are the associations against fibromyalgia?
Some examples of associations for people with fibromyalgia and their families (non-exhaustive list):
- Fibromyalgia SOS
- Fibromyalgia France
- Association VAFSFC: Living with fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome
Sources: Fibromyalgia sheet, Ministry of Health website / Fibromyalgia sheet from Health Insurance / HAS fibromyalgia syndrome / May 12, World Fibromyalgia Day, INSERM