APLAR Rheumatology Congress

APLAR was established in 1963 at Sydney. Four nations: Australia, India, Japan and New Zealand together pronounced formation of SEAPAL (South East Asia and Pacific Area League Against Rheumatism). The first Congress was held in 1968 at the renowned Taj Mahal Hotel on the waterfront across the Gateway of India in Bombay (India). Since then, SEAPAL grew from strength to strength with many participating nations. It is now known as the Asia Pacific League of Associations for Rheumatology. APLAR strives to propagate and consolidate Rheumatology endeavours in the Asia Pacific region. Towards this end the APLAR publishes a journal, the APLAR Journal of Rheumatology. The premier meeting organized by the APLAR every 2 years is the APLAR Congress which brings together rheumatologists, internists, orthopedic surgeons, clinical immunologists, physiatrists, physical and occupational therapists, pediatricians and researchers from allied disciplines on a common platform so as to provide the best forum in the region for deliberations on all aspects of musculoskeletal diseases. APLAR is affiliated to ILAR (International League of Associations for Rheumatology). APLAR spearheads the fight against arthritis. APLAR’s mission and goals focus on providing state of the art care to patients with arthritis and other musculoskeletal diseases through continuing professional development of members, increasing the awareness and understanding about rheumatic diseases, patient advocacy and empowerment, and fostering research in the field of rheumatic diseases.