Arthritis
Education in Cape Town

To achieve a better life for all those affected with arthritis.
To do this we are involved in a wide range of education and support programmes, in providing access to information about these diseases, and by advocating the interests of people with arthritis in government, medical and media circles.

To achieve a better life for all those affected with arthritis. To enable those with arthritis to live a valuable life in all its dimensions through increasing awareness, providing education and offering support. The Arthritis Foundation of South Africa is the only body in our country providing non-medical support for arthritis patients, their families and carers. To do this we are involved in a wide range of education and support programmes, in providing access to information about these diseases, and by advocating the interests of people with arthritis in government, medical and media circles. Together with correct medical treatment, having the confidence to take personal control of your illness, has been shown many times to be the most important factor in restoring quality of life for people with arthritis. Therefore, in everything we do, we put the emphasis on building the individual's capacity for managing their own disease. Lectures by professional medical people and experts in other relevant fields. Although at different levels of development in different centres, the programme includes clinic visits in hospitals big and small, exercise classes, talks, support groups and counselling. Leaflets on a wide range of different types of arthritis and rheumatism. By raising public awareness through the print and electronic media we aim to both educate the public about arthritis and raise the pressure on government and medical schemes to take a greater role in dealing with the treatment and costs of arthritis. Improved quality of life through expert knowledge and pain management techniques. Improved medical treatment, through supporting our advocacy programme. We have kept our membership price at this level for more than 10 years.