Six months of hunger strike, 'recognizing fibromyalgia in Lea'

Six months of relay hunger strike to ask for the recognition of fibromyalgia in the Lea. On the occasion of World Fibromyalgia Day, which is celebrated on May 12, the Italian Fibromyalgia Syndrome Association (Aisf Odv) renews its appeal to the institutions for the official recognition of fibromyalgia as a disabling disease and for its inclusion in the Essential Levels of Assistance (Lea).

The relay hunger strike, promoted by the association, involved a different person every day on the national territory. Each participant committed to fasting for 24 hours, creating an uninterrupted chain of solidarity and denunciation. "This form of peaceful protest aims to obtain concrete answers from the institutions, so that patients affected by fibromyalgia can access early diagnosis, appropriate care and adequate protection, overcoming the current condition of invisibility" declares Piercarlo Sarzi Puttini, President of Aisf.

"In fact - adds Giusy Fabio, vice president of the Association - despite the promises received in the past months, there is still no certainty about the inclusion of the pathology in the update of the Lea, nor even about its inclusion in the decree law on rheumatology, about which we have already expressed our doubts in the past months".

Fibromyalgia is a chronic disease characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, chronic fatigue, sleep disturbances and cognitive problems. Although the World Health Organization recognized it in 1992, Italy still lacks a national law that certifies its full status and includes it among the diseases recognized by the State. On the occasion of World Fibromyalgia Day, Aisf Odv has organized numerous initiatives throughout the country, including the lighting of buildings and monuments in purple, the symbolic color of fibromyalgia, and awareness and information events for citizens. The events can be found on the website (www.sindromefibromialgica.it) and on the organization's Facebook page.

"Anyone who wants to support this battle - is the invitation of the association - can also do so through social media, sharing messages and testimonies with the hashtag #riprendiamoilpercorso, already used by thousands of patients and supporters to make their voices heard. It's time to act. It's time to listen to those who can no longer wait".