Welcome to the March edition of EFA’s online newsletter!

Spring is almost here and with the EFA AGM and Conference in Prague in May 2006 fast approaching we have sent members information for the EFA Board nominations, due by 20 March and reminders to renew your membership to EFA by 30 April.
Svein-Erik Myrseth, EFA President

EFA Members’ news: Asthma UK launches media campaign on seriousness of asthma

There are 5.2 million people with asthma in the UK alone. This means that one in five households has a person with asthma. On 6 March, Asthma UK launches its first ever television advertising campaign that will run for a week across the UK.
The campaign aims to raise awareness of the seriousness of asthma and Asthma UK’s commitment to preventing needless deaths by helping people increase their understanding and reduce the effect of asthma on their lives. 
For more information, call 44 20 7786 4949 or email mediaoffice@asthma.org.uk.

EFA Members’ news: Treat Your Allergy! Finnish Allergy Week

The Finnish Allergy and Asthma Foundation are planning large information and event campaign entitled ‘Treat Your Allergy’ during national Allergy Week (24-30 April 2006). The objective is to improve the quality of life those suffering from allergic diseases and asthma. Partners in the campaign will be University Pharmacy, Finland’s Federation of Pharmacies and medical service provider Mehiläinen Oy. The campaign focuses on new members and to inform the public about allergic rhinitis/hay fever.
For more information, see: www.allergia.com

EFA Members’ news: The COPD Patient: a partner worth listening to...

Within an international Conference on Pulmonary Advances (Stresa, Lake Maggiore,
22-25 March 2006), the Italian COPD Patients Association AIP-BPCO will hold a symposium on “The COPD Patient: a partner to listen to” (4-6 pm March 22). About 100 Italian COPD patients and relatives will attend the symposium, the aim of which is to compare the expectation of patients with the real possibilities of medical treatment and care.
For more information, see: www.pazientibpco.it and www.makevent.it

Launch of GARD

The launch of the Global Alliance Against Chronic Respiratory Diseases (GARD), alliance of internationally recognized organizations, institutions and agencies, including EFA, is due to take place in Beijing on 28 March 2006 and it is due to be attended by EFA President Svein-Erik Myrseth. The aim of GARD, global action taken by the WHO, is to work together towards the common goal of reducing the burden of chronic respiratory diseases, including allergy, in the world by sharing expertise, identifying problems, promoting solutions and coordinating activities. GARD website

EU Information Day for Public Health Work Plan 2006

The European Commission adopted the 2006 Work Plan for implementation of the Public Health Programme (2003-2008) on 10 February 2006. Following the adoption, a Call for Proposals was launched on 17 February 2006. In order to present the programme’s objectives and encourage potential beneficiaries to submit proposals in 2006, the Commission organised an Information Day in Luxembourg on Wednesday 22 February 2006, which EFA attended in view of submitting a proposal this year.

Asthma care in the EU - a time for change

The International Primary Care Respiratory Group (IPCRG) has just released a report of the policy roundtable on asthma, which it hosted with UK MEP Liz Lynne on 24 January 2006 in the European Parliament. The discussion, which was attended by EFA (see February ezine 2006) aimed to assess the main deficiencies in current asthma treatment across Europe and investigate EU policy options to ensure adequate doctor and patient information, empowering them to make an informed choice. Amongst the recommendations made by the roundtable was that a wider platform on asthma is needed to define priorities on asthma as regards patient information, management and medication for the next five years, as well as compile documents to illustrate key facts about asthma for EU policy makers and the public Additionally, asthma must be included more prominently both on the EU Public Health website, in the 7th Framework Programme (FP7) and within the newly formed EU Pharmaceutical Forum discussions. Asthma should be made a priority in funding programmes for paediatric medicines and EU Public Health Programmes. As you know, EFA supports and has already been active on many of these points already and we are delighted to see them affirmed here.

Declaration on Patient-Centred Healthcare launched at IAPO Congress

A Declaration on Patient-Centered Healthcare was launched at the International Alliance of Patients’ Organizations (IAPO) second Global Patients Congress held in Barcelona, Spain from 22-24 February 2006. The declaration is the first globally accepted definition of patient-centered healthcare developed by and representing the global patients’ movement.  The Declaration contains five principles which, if followed, will result in patient-centered healthcare: Respect; Choice and Empowerment; Patient Involvement in Health Policy; Access and Support; and Information. IAPO is calling for the support and collaboration of policy-makers, health professionals, service providers, and health-related industries to endorse and commit to these Five Principles and make them the core of their policies and practice.
For more information, see www.patientsorganizations.org or email policy@patientsorganizations.org

Wednesday 8 March 2006: National No Smoking Day in the UK

This year’s National No Smoking Day in the UK focuses on cessation and how to stop smoking, which is particularly relevant following the decision last month that UK workplaces including bars and restaurants will go smoke free form 2007 (see February ezine). According to the BBC, a third of London smokers plan to give up when the ban comes into force next year, according to a survey commissioned by the charity No Smoking Day. The survey showed that of 28 million smokers in the UK, 22% said they would give up when the ban came in and a further 53% said they would try to quit the habit when the new laws are introduced.
For more information, see: http://www.nosmokingday.org.uk/
Source: BBC News

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