The European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (EAACI) has launched the first World Anaphylaxis Awareness Day today on 21 November.
The initiative coincides with the beginning of the organisation’s three-day Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Meeting, FAAM-EUROBAT 2024, and is aimed at raising awareness of anaphylaxis and promoting essential steps in preventing and managing the potentially life-threatening allergic reaction.
Up to 2% of the global population is affected by anaphylaxis, which requires immediate medical intervention and often results from exposure to common allergens such as specific foods, medications, insect stings or latex.
Despite the severity and increasing prevalence of anaphylaxis, the EAACI notes that many people lack the knowledge to recognise and respond effectively to an anaphylactic reaction.
World Anaphylaxis Day seeks to address this by raising awareness of anaphylaxis symptoms and promoting quick recognition and response, highlighting the importance of allergen avoidance and personalised action plans for those at risk, and ensuring that caregivers, teachers and first responders are equipped to handle anaphylactic emergencies.
The day is also directed at sharing the personal stories of those living with severe allergies, and calls for better access to emergency medications, clearer allergen labelling and increased support systems in public spaces and workplaces.
The organisation has released a resource in conjunction with the day to help patients and caregivers understand, manage and prevent anaphylactic reactions. A Practical Guide for Patients provides practical insights on recognising triggers, creating action plans to manage risk in everyday life, and using adrenaline auto-injectors correctly.
Maria Torres, the EAACI’s president, said: “We are thrilled to launch World Anaphylaxis Awareness Day as part of FAAM-EUROBAT 2024. With this initiative, we hope to empower individuals, families and healthcare providers with the knowledge and tools to prevent and respond to anaphylaxis.
“This is an essential step toward improving patient care and reducing the impact of this serious health condition.”
The EAACI said it hopes that the day will become an annual fixture in the health calendar and gain momentum with increased participation from the public, institutions and governments each year.