History

It all began in 2007 on the initiative of Prof. Carmel Mallia, consultant physician and rheumatologist, and Doris Aquilina, a specialized nurse in rheumatology. For a long time they had been feeling the need for an association for patients suffering from arthritis and rheumatism. Such patients could do with more information and, above all, formation about these conditions, and how to cope with everyday life. ARAM was established on the 11^th August 2007, after a group of patients volunteered to form the committee. It was later officially launched by the Minister of Health on World Arthritis Day of the same year which was held locally on the 14^th of October. Since then, World Arthritis Day continued to be commemorated locally every year by a formative symposium, which has always been well attended. The dedication and cooperation between all committee members helped make the event a success every year

The name of the association was initially given as “The Arthritis & Rheumatism Association – for a better life”. The name was later changed to Arthritis and Rheumatism Association Malta, hence ARAM.

In June 2009 ARAM became a member of The European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) which aims to promote, stimulate and support the research, prev

The association became officially registered as an NGO with the Voluntary Organisation in Malta in June 2010. This was a further step for ARAM to better its position and opportunities.ention, treatment and rehabilitation of rheumatic diseases. In consequence to this, ARAM became a member also of PARE. This gave us the added opportunity to attend the annual Conference organized by PARE. The knowledge and expertise shared by all the patient organisations within EULAR are passed on locally for the benefit of all.

Agora meeting in Malta – September 2011

ARAM also joined forces with other Mediterranean countries in 2010 under the AGORA platform to work and evaluate the situations of people suffering from arthritis and rheumatism in Southern European Countries.  This was inaugurated in Malta in September 2011.

There are still many other important issues to be tackled by the association which, due to financial constraints, cannot be immediately accomplished. However, we did manage to launch our long-awaited first newsletter on World Arthritis day 2010. Since then it has been published yearly but our target is to publish it twice a year. The year 2013 has seen the accomplishment of another dream – the creation of the web-site, thanks to the funds acquired from the SIS (Small Initiative Scheme). We hope that this website will be a reference point for many, thereby allowing us to show our solidarity in a tangible form.