Why are patient organizations so important?

Patient organisation serves the interest of patients. On individual level, serving interest consist of those products and services that are directed to a specific patient group, such as information, education, peer contact and financial support. On collective level, interest serving is directed to influencing the policy of professionals, organisations and institutions in such a way that they contribute better to the mission of the interest group. In the field of allergy, asthma and COPD, the policies on care, work, air quality, food safety, tobacco control, consumer products and research in these domains are all important.

A European umbrella organisation such as EFA serves the interest of its’ member organisations on a European level, provides a platform for members to exchange best practices and a framework for capacity building.