YEAR OF RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS CAMPAIGN

That this House congratulates the National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society (NRAS) on the launch of its Year of Rheumatoid Arthritis campaign; is concerned at recent research which revealed an alarming ignorance about the causes and impact of rheumatoid arthritis (RA); is particularly worried that 62 per cent. of people overall and 75 per cent. of younger people did not know the causes of RA or that it can affect other organs like the heart or lungs; and calls on hon. Members to support NRAS's campaign which aims to tackle misconceptions about this disabling and debilitating condition and to increase understanding of RA and its symptoms so that those affected can seek swift medical advice and treatment to halt the rapid progression of the disease and prevent long-term joint damage.