EFA President Mikaela Odemyr spoke at the EAACI EU Policy Stakeholder lunch celebrated on the 19 June during the EAACI Congress that took place in Helsinki 17-21 June. Next to Member of the European Parliament Sirpa Pietikäinen, the ERS and EAACI leadership and Finnish health authorities Mikaela highlighted the need to reduce the burden of allergy and asthma on our society and on our national health system by having Europe leading health policy, which integrates health care and prevention in all policies, and which guarantees a patients centered vision.
Allergy and asthma severely impact the quality of life of patients, with dramatic effects on their quality of life, professional and educational performance. During the conference, participants discussed the possibility for patients and professionals to contribute to the policy debate. “It is not always evident how the sharing of the patient’s stories can be helpful” Mikaela pointed out, but there are roles patients can play in policy making to drive people centered prioritization of allergy and asthma programmes.
EFA together with the 42 patient associations members in 25 countries, represents people with allergy at European level whereas EAACI focus on allergy specialization. “In EFA we conduct patient driven evidence based projects to bring the patient experience and propose solutions to policy makers” Mikaela explained.