Cookie Consent by Free Privacy Policy Generator
News
05 October 2022
Turkey
Allergy
INFORM

With chronic diseases such as atopic eczema (AE), patients often feel alone and helpless. The communication between the doctors and the patients weakens over time, and this can negatively affect the long-term success of the treatment.

With the unrestricted contributions of Pfizer Turkey, EFA Member Living with Allergy Association set sail on the Bosphorus with AE patients, allergy immunology and dermatology specialists on 14 September to bring attention to World Atopic Eczema Day (WAED).

This action delivered the message “we are all in the same boat” and to highlight how AE can impact daily life including patients’ favourite hobbies. At the same time, they wanted to show the importance of holding on to life despite all the difficulties that AE brings.

On this journey, they experienced the importance of teamwork against unpredictability of nature. The same sense of team harmony is necessary to manage AE where exacerbations are just as unpredictable. They also discovered the power of a diverse sailing crew, representing the need for both allergists and dermatologists accompanying AE patients through their journey.

After the emergence of the Covid-19 pandemic, this was the first face-face event for Living with Allergy Association. Patients and doctors enjoyed being together outside of a healthcare facility, away from formality, where they could communicate comfortably. It was a unique opportunity for them to discuss the disease burden beyond what is easily visible. A reporter also attended the event and interviewed patients and doctors to understand and reflect the disease’s nature and burden.

During the sail from Europe to Asia, they also emphasised that innovative treatments should be accessible throughout countries by eliminating inequalities. Regardless of the geography, patients face similar problems and carry similar burdens which demonstrate the need for an integrated approach.

Find a short video of the event here.