European Antibiotic Awareness Day
EAACI-EFA - Statement on Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan, supported by the European Parliament Interest Group on Allergy and Asthma
The European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (EAACI) and the European Federation of Allergy and Airways Diseases Patients' Associations (EFA), the two organisations coordinating the Secretariat of the European Parliament Interest Group on Allergy and Asthma, warmly welcome the European Commission's Beating Cancer Plan presented in February 2020. Coupled with the Horizon Europe EU Mission for cancer research, the initiatives provide a well-developed framework to address the challenges posed by cancer in the EU.
As one of the leading causes of mortality globally and the second cause of premature death from non-communicable diseases (representing 26% of the total number of deaths in the EU in 2016), cancer is undoubtedly one of the biggest health challenges of our times, next to cardiovascular and respiratory diseases.
We applaud the ambitious scope of the Beating Cancer Plan, encompassing prevention, access to care and better quality of life; while supporting a health-in-all-policies approach with an emphasis on tackling the environmental determinants of cancer. Actions under this framework have the potential to add value to other non-communicable disease areas such as allergy and asthma , which also impose a massive burden on Europeans' lives and pockets.
Indeed, allergy and asthma are two of the most common chronic diseases in Europe, currently affecting more than 150 million citizens across the region. Healthy environments play a crucial role in the prevention and control of these diseases, which are predicted to affect half of all Europeans by 2025.
Our statement lays out the multiple correlations existing between cancer, on the one hand, and allergy and asthma on the other . Shared risk factors include air pollution, tobacco smoking and exposure to dangerous chemicals, which may impact the severity or incidence of allergy and asthma symptoms. Furthermore, it discusses the need for improved access to healthcare, including timely diagnosis, in a wide range of non-communicable diseases in addition to cancer. Also highlighted are the benefits of patients' and healthcare professionals' participation in health decision-making processes, including research and evidence-based policies.
The statement is underpinned by the hope that the focus of Europe's Beating Cancer Plan on the guiding principles of prevention, access, and participation , will set a useful precedent for addressing other burdensome non-communicable diseases, including allergy and asthma.
Please click here to access the full statement
NAS-JM Position Paper Translations
Brockow et al
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Atanaskovic-Markovic et al
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EAACI Digital Congress 2020 - Scientific Content
The EAACI Digital Congress 2020 is now over but most of the Congress scientific content is still available (for registered delegates) on the EAACI Digital Congress 2020 platform (virtual.eaaci.org) for a period of 6 months after the Congress. For all of those who were not registered, the content is also available in the form of thematic packages, to be purchased on the EAACI Media Library eShop. You can have access to our selection of packages now and purchase the one that fits you best!
European Parliament adopts resolution for better management of chronic diseases
The European Parliament adopted on Friday a resolution highlighting the need for a better management of chronic diseases. The adopted text is available at https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/TA-9-2020-0205_EN.html.
Several milestones were achieved following the combined lobbying efforts:
2. European reference networks for chronic diseases
3. Recognition of the high prevalence of chronic diseases and need for action
4. Prioritisation of prevention
5. Implementation of “health in all policies”
6. Stronger role for the EMA in monitoring and managing drug shortages
7. Call for a European Health Union
Ioana Agache, on behalf of the ExCom EU lobbying group
EAACI Food Allergy Prevention Guidelines
The public review of the draft guideline is very important. It aims to ensure that recommendations accurately reflect the state of the evidence and are practical from the viewpoint of those working in this area.
Please submit your comments on the EAACI online platform by July 28. You can comment section by section, as necessary on our platform here.
Thank you in advance.
On behalf of the EAACI Task Force
Susanne Halken - Task Force Chair
Antonella Muraro - Task Force Chair
Graham Roberts - Coordinator of EAACI Food Allergy Guidelines update
Survey on Asthma Management during COVID-19
Find the survey here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/JDYM8B3
COVID-19 resource centre
Adolescents and Young Adults Guidelines
Access here.
EAACI-ARIA statement on intra-nasal corticosteroid sprays
With the current knowledge, intra-nasal corticosteroid sprays can be continued in allergic rhinitis and during the pollen season at recommended dose. Stopping local intra-nasal corticoisteroid sprays is not advised as immunosuppression has not been proven and more sneezing after stopping them may lead to more spreading of the coronavirus. Moreover; unnecessary SARS-COV 2 testing and doctor´s visits may be avoided by sufficient treatment of allergic airway problems; since patients may confound allergic induced nasal symptoms and cough with signs of virus infection.
EAACI Guidelines Biologicals for Severe Asthma
Access them on our Media Library here.
European guideline for the management of adolescents and young adults with allergy and/or asthma
The EAACI Adolescent and Young Adult Task Force has generated the first European guideline for the management of adolescents and young adults (11-25 years) with allergy and/or asthma. The draft guideline is available here for comments.
A recent European survey among healthcare professionals managing these patients highlighted variations in practice across Europe. There were lots of comments about the need for advice on how to best manage this age group.
The public review of the draft guideline is very important. It aims to ensure that recommendations accurately reflect the state of the evidence and are practical from the viewpoint of those working with adolescents and young adults with allergy and/or asthma.
Please submit your comments on the EAACI online platform by Thursday 5th March 2020. You can comment section by section, as necessary.
Thank you in advance.
On behalf of the EAACI Task Force on Adolescent and Young Adult:
Graham Roberts - Task Force Chair
Marta Vazquez-Ortiz - Task Force Secretary
Kate Khaleva - Task Force Member
A new direction for Allergy and Asthma in Europe
Hosted by Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) Sirpa Pietikäinen and Cristian-Silviu Bușoi, leading Interest Group members, the meeting explored policy improvements to address two of the most prevalent chronic diseases, which affect one in three Europeans and represent an ever-growing burden on societies and healthcare systems.
Allergic diseases and asthma prevention as a priority for the incoming Commission: Wojciech Kalamarz (European Commission DG SANTE) highlighted that chronic diseases’ prevention will be a priority of the Von der Leyen Commission and called on Member States to increase investment in prevention, noting the cost-effectiveness of preventive measures.
Taking action across sectors building on the “exposome” concept: Prof Ioana Agache (Past-President, European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (EAACI)) advocated for policies looking at the interconnections between human, animal and plant health, and food and water safety to improve prevention in the field of allergy and asthma, which are essentially multifactorial diseases stemming mainly from biological responses to a variety of environmental triggers and less from individual-genetic factors.
Improving allergen labelling to better protect patients: Salvatore D’Acunto (European Commission DG GROW) noted the importance of fragrance allergens labelling for patients. He stated that the Commission is exploring different on- and off-product labelling options, and invited stakeholders to respond to the ongoing public consultation on fragrance labelling.
Interconnecting the health, air quality and climate change agendas came across as a key message from representatives of the WHO European Centre for Environment and Health, the European Environmental Bureau and EAACI. The EU Green Deal has the potential to deliver important steps in this direction, by allowing a cross sectoral approach to air pollution, investment in sustainable agriculture and green financing – with the promise of considerable benefits to the health of future generations. Prof Stefano del Giacco (EAACI Vice-President Education and Speciality) underlined the importance of efficient city planning to reduce risks associated with exposures, as well as registries, machine-learning, and integrated surveillance networks to monitor air quality as tools to provide independent evidence and data support for science-based policy-making. MEP Karima Delli, Chair of the European Parliament TRAN committee, reaffirmed her commitment to reducing emissions from the transport sector, linked with many chronic diseases including allergy and asthma.
A joint call for increased research funding and accelerated uptake of personalised medicine: Reflecting on MEP Dr Cristian-Silviu Bușoi’s perspectives, Dr Amalia-Irina Vlad (European Commission DG RTD) encouraged the allergy and asthma community to seize the opportunity of an enhanced Horizon Europe budget for research and innovation. Prof Vera Mahler (Paul-Ehrlich-Institut) noted that research should address the existing knowledge gap between biomarkers and clinical outcomes so that new treatments and products can be authorised. EAACI President Prof Marek Jutel highlighted the central role of implementing translational research and real world evidence to foster the integration of patient-oriented and population-based studies. Mikaela Odemyr, President of the European Federation of Allergy and Airways Diseases Patients’ Associations (EFA), called for universal patient access to personalised medicine which requires a reorientation of healthcare systems, with a focus on individual patients’ needs.
“We need better national programmes and their implementation, early action to protect our biodiversity and improved urban environments to prevent allergies and asthma. We need European Allergy and Asthma reference centre, we need more efforts to improve urban air quality and indoor air quality, we need better information about chemicals in our daily environment and food ingredients. We need to enter a new era where no one suffers from allergy and asthma.” – MEP Sirpa Pietikäinen.
Further insights from the event are available here.
EAACI BOOKS AND GUIDELINES
https://medialibrary.eaaci.org/
EAACI MEDIA LIBRARY - NEW CONTENT
Brand new content in the EAACI Media Library all OPEN ACCESS: We have now available on the Media Library all content from PAAM 2019
Allergic Diseases, asthma and COPD not risk factors for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) infection
Clinical characteristics of 140 patients infected by SARS‐CoV‐2 in Wuhan, China
A detailed clinical investigation of 140 hospitalized COVID‐19 cases suggest eosinopenia together with lymphopenia may be a potential indicator for diagnosis. Allergic diseases, asthma and COPD are not risk factors for SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. Elderly age, high number of comorbidities and more prominent laboratory abnormalities were associated with severe patients. The authors acknowledge all the healthcare professionals who helped and took care of the patients with COVID-19 for their great efforts and their selfless dedication in the medical operation against SARS-CoV-2. Read the full paper here.
A new year message from the EAACI President
Dear colleagues and friends, dear EAACI Family,
Happy 2020! At the onset of the New Year we wish you and your families a prosperous and healthy 2020.
In 2020 we would be happy to see you joining exciting developments in EAACI and taking the opportunity to share knowledge and the most recent developments in our field by attending the EAACI Annual Congress 2020, the largest allergy Congress held in London from 6 to 10 June, but also our focused meetings, master classes or allergy schools and a range of other topical events in our field.
2019 was very successful for the EAACI family worldwide – an international outreach network embracing a vast membership of over 12,000 dedicated researchers, clinicians, allied health professionals, National Allergy Societies, and Patient Organisations from all around the globe. Our Annual Congress in Lisbon broke a record number of participants as the largest ever Allergy Meeting, which provided an unparalleled scientific programme through which we “Mapped the New World of Allergy”.
This year, according to the motto of the 2020 congress "Bridging Innovations into Allergy and Asthma Prevention" the top scientists and physicians will present the most inspiring and creative ideas diffused and adapted to the needs of our patients.
In 2020 EAACI will continue to be the centre of excellence for state-of-the-art research on allergic diseases, asthma and clinical immunology and a hub providing support for training and career development within the fundamentally revolutionizing healthcare system, with the goal of improving peoples’ quality of life.
2020 will be a year with many new initiatives that can only be achieved with your support. We are currently working on an update of the EAACI Global Atlas of Asthma, the translation of the MAUG in Spanish, new Guidelines on biologicals, atopic dermatitis and AIT guidelines for allergy and asthma, and an update of the anaphylaxis and food allergy prevention guidelines. We have approved over 80 task forces that will start 2020 with exciting new mandates and will certainly yield comprehensive position papers in the coming year.
Our three EAACI journals, Allergy, PAI and CTA will continue to be in the spotlight as references for allergy experts and researchers with rapidly increasing impact factors positioning them in the top of scientific journals in our field.
A new EAACI Research platform aims to facilitate allergy, asthma and clinical immunology research through the coordination and support of the research community. High quality and reproducible data will be supported by leveraging resources into a joint information exchange network. Ultimately, it will boost top-notch experimental research through multi-centre collaboration and strengthen the validity of experimental medical results.
An innovative e-learning platform will provide the optimal conditions for Continuous Medical Education. Combining interactive e-learning modules (with webcasts, live streams, webinars, recommended reads and questionnaires), the platform will open numerous possibilities to acquire CME credits conveniently and from a reliable and renowned source.
The advocacy efforts in the EU will advance strongly: following the Parliamentary elections, and a successful reorganizing of the Interest Group on Allergy and Asthma. A meeting at the EU Parliament in November 2019 ensured discussions between EAACI Leadership, international organisations and MEPs on how to efficiently integrate allergy into Europe’s political agenda and beyond.
Advocating for allergy will be completed with the help and empowerment of patients and Patient organisations: EFA, our partner in activities at the EU level; our committed Patient organisation committee composed of 30 organisations; and our newly launched task forces dealing with public outreach.
We will have many opportunities to meet during 2020 at one of the activities of our Society. Although we provide digital opportunities, we do hope you will choose to come to one or more of our meetings. Please find here a calendar of events in 2020 on our website. One thing that cannot be substituted by modern developments in technology and remote e-tools is the richness gained through your personal interactions and networking.
EAACI is proud to invite you, along with numerous key opinion leaders to London, a city which offers unrivalled inventiveness and an enchanting scenery, where famous bridges connect people.
We would like to warmly thank for your continued support to the Academy and our common efforts to increase awareness and provide the best possible care to allergic patients.
We wish you a wonderful and rewarding year filled with success and happiness!
Marek Jutel, EAACI President
The EAACI Executive Committee and HQ Staff
Welcome to ISAF 2020!
The European Strategic Forum on Allergic Diseases
Read the full manuscript here.
EAACI explains vaccination
Our international scientists and immunology experts have created a short and informative animated video to explain how vaccinations work
Share it with your family, friends and patients and keep them informed!
Don't wait, VACCINATE!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mRyDSqlnaBY&feature=youtu.be
Winter School 2020 - Last chance to submit your abstracts!
Submit here your abstracts until 30 September 2019 at 23:59 CET!
The 18th Winter School on Basic Immunology Research in Allergy and Clinical Immunology will take place in Chamonix, France from 23 – 26 January 2020. This meeting has high scientific standards and is aimed at young researchers and medical doctors who are active in the fields of allergy and immunology.
About us
More information will be available soon.GLOBAL ATLAS OF SKIN ALLERGY
The “Global Atlas of Skin Allergy” contains 113 chapters writtn by 118 authors with 92 clinical pictures, 105 illustratins and 70 tables. It covers the basics of skin immunology and mechanisms in the skin, epidemiology, nomenclature, histopathology, skin allergy tests as key elements for allergy diagnosis, the clinical pictures of cutaneous allergic reactins and diffrentil diagnoses, guidance on recognitin and management, a comprehensive global assessment of burden as well as
strategies for the management allergic skin diseases.
Access it here.
PAAM 2019 - Don't miss its 10th anniversary
ISMA 2019 - Submit Your Abstracts
EAACI guidelines on AIT: Allergic Asthma
This Guideline has been prepared by the Taskforce on AIT for Allergic Asthma and is part of the EAACI Guidelines on Allergen Immunotherapy. Recommendations were formulated by a multi-disciplinary working group aiming to provide indications and contraindications to HDM AIT as add-on treatment for HDM-driven allergic asthma and to identify gaps in knowledge and/or implementation, unmet needs and future perspectives.
The new EAACI Guidelines on Allergen Immunotherapy: house dust mite-driven allergic asthma are now out!
Focused Meeting on Pediatric Allergy and Asthma now live!
Submit your case report for Master Class on Biologicals 2019!
EAACI Social Media - Follow us!
Stay tuned with the exciting content in the field of Allergy and Clinical Immunology.
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