- Every hour in Western Europe at least one person dies as a consequence of their asthma symptoms. The majority of these deaths could be avoided with better education and improved healthcare provision. With this aim in mind, the European Federation of Allergy and Airway Diseases Patients Association (EFA) launched an international survey and campaign with support from CCA and an unrestricted educational grant from Novartis. The survey was the first of its kind to represent the viewpoints of people with severe asthma from across Europe and worryingly showed that although 1.5 million live in fear that their next attack could kill them, their concerns are rarely voiced or recognized. A report and campaign were developed to demonstrate the overwhelming human cost of severe asthma and to create a compelling call to action for improved government prioritization and better treatment. Efforts to unite media and lobbying initiatives achieved widespread success and acclaim. International and national media coverage exceeded expectations by 50%, reaching 33 million media impressions and achieving 133 pieces of coverage, including high-profile broadcast, online and national newspaper features.
- Liz Lynne, Member of the European Parliament (MEP) and herself a severe asthma sufferer, led lobbying activity which resulted in the final report and call to action being presented to over 600 EU policy makers, including representatives of the World Health Organisation. In addition, EFA was invited to present results at Europe’s leading respiratory congress, the ERS, allowing key data to be discussed with over 400 leading healthcare professionals.
