Our Journey in the Asia-Pacific
A Powerful Story of Collaboration in the Asia-Pacific Region
We are proud to share an inspiring contribution from Paul Mendoza, President of Psoriasis Philippines and PsorAsia+Pacific.
In this personal reflection, Paul describes how patient communities across low- and middle-income countries in the Asia-Pacific region are joining forces to overcome shared challenges—from limited healthcare access to the lack of real-world evidence and lived-experience data.
Living in a region made up of many low- and middle-income countries means we share common struggles. Accessing healthcare is often difficult, and the lack of real-world evidence and lived experience data makes it harder to improve policies. Here in the Asia-Pacific, this is our reality. For those of us living with psoriatic disease, the challenges are not just medical—they are personal, emotional, and deeply human.
I have seen firsthand how these unmet needs affect people’s lives. Families worry about the cost of treatment. Patients feel isolated because their condition is misunderstood. Governments, without strong data, struggle to prioritize psoriatic disease in their health agendas. These are not abstract problems; they are the daily experiences of people like us. And yet, in the face of these challenges, we have chosen to come together.
Psoriasis Philippines, founded by Josef De Guzman, formed Psoriasis Asia Pacific with a simple but powerful vision: to unite patient organizations across the region. Our goal is not only to share knowledge but to learn from one another, to mentor new groups, and to encourage the formation of national organizations. We believe that when each member grows stronger, the entire network becomes stronger. Collaboration is not just a word—it is the heartbeat of our movement.
For more than a decade, we dreamed of creating a legacy project that would benefit everyone living with psoriatic disease in the Asia-Pacific. This year, that dream finally began to take shape. After months of planning, we launched the Psoriasis Asia Pacific Survey: Understanding Psoriatic Disease in the Asia-Pacific. Twelve member organizations from different countries and territories joined hands to co-create and co-design this project. It is the first of its kind in our region, and it represents the collective effort of patient leaders, researchers, doctors, and supporters who believe in the power of working together.
This survey is deeply personal to us. It is not just about numbers or statistics—it is about stories, voices, and lived experiences. It will capture patients’ understanding of psoriatic disease, the treatments available to them, and the burdens they carry, both physically and mentally.
It will reflect the awareness and practices of healthcare professionals, and it will shed light on government efforts, policies, and programs. Most importantly, it will give us a regional scorecard—a comprehensive report that will empower each country to advocate for better care, stronger policies, and improved access to treatments.
When I think about this project, I am reminded of the countless conversations I have had with fellow patient leaders. I remember the passion in their voices, the determination in their eyes, and the hope they carry for their communities. Each of them brings unique experiences, yet we all share the same dream: a future where people living with psoriatic disease are understood, supported, and given the care they deserve. This survey is our collective voice, and it is proof that when we work together, we can achieve something extraordinary.
Collaboration has taught me many lessons. It has shown me that unity does not mean uniformity. Each country has its own healthcare system, culture, and challenges. But by listening to one another, respecting differences, and finding common ground, we discover strength in diversity. Collaboration has also taught me humility—the understanding that no single organization, no matter how strong, can solve these problems alone. We need each other. We need doctors who listen, researchers who innovate, governments who act, and patients who speak up. Together, we form a circle of support that is unbreakable.
The Psoriasis Asia Pacific Survey is more than a research project. It is a symbol of hope. It is a reminder that progress is possible when we choose cooperation over isolation. It is proof that patient voices, when amplified through networks, can influence healthcare systems and policies. And it is a testament to the fact that dreams, no matter how long they take, can become reality when pursued with persistence and unity.
As we move forward, I know the journey will not be easy. Collecting data is only the beginning. The real challenge lies in using this evidence to advocate, to educate, and to inspire change. But I also know that we are ready. We have built a foundation of trust, respect, and collaboration. We have shown that we can dream together, plan together, and act together. And we will continue to do so, because the future we envision is worth fighting for.
This is personal to me. It is personal to every patient leader, every doctor, every supporter who has joined this journey. It is about the lives of people who deserve better care, better understanding, and better policies. It is about leaving a legacy that will outlast us, a legacy that will continue to grow and inspire future generations.
The story of Psoriasis Asia Pacific is not just about psoriatic disease. It is about the human spirit—the courage to face challenges, the resilience to keep going, and the belief that together we can achieve what once seemed impossible. Collaboration is not just a strategy; it is a force that transforms lives. It is the power of working together, and it is the legacy we are building.
Written by:
Paul Mendoza
President – Psoriasis Philippines
President – PsorAsia+Pacific
Vice Chair – International Alliance of Patients’ Organizations