On the 22 of November, EFA marked the launch of its new book on respiratory allergies.
The event took place at the European Parliament in Brussels.
The aim of the EFA respiratory allergy book is to draw attention to the dramatic increase in allergies that is taking place. Approximately 20%-30% of the world's population are affected by some form of allergic reaction. Respiratory allergies are the most common allergies both in Europe and worldwide and it is estimated that by 2015 1 in every 2 Europeans will suffer from an allergy. Despite this, awareness of the issue remains low and patients are often the first to ignore their condition.
The new EFA book has gathered a wealth of information on the state of allergies across the EU. It reveals the urgent need for increased awareness of respiratory allergies, and highlights the loopholes and inequalities which are affecting many European patients. The book includes a Call to Action asking governments and the EU to recognise allergy as a real and serious disease, promote national programmes to raise awareness, prioritise the prevention, management and control of allergy, encourage training of healthcare professionals, adapt healthcare and reimbursement policies for patients and improve air quality. Proactive allergy programmes which take the above into account will reduce the burden of the disease, financial and otherwise, on individuals and society.
The event gathered MEPs, EU officials, representatives of the Polish Presidency of the EU and patient and medical representatives to address this major health challenge, and was particularly supported by MEP Ms Elisabetta Gardini, who hosted the event.
EFA warmly welcomes its member to sign the EFA Call to Action, and is currently collecting signatures.
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