On December 6th Katharine Wheeler participated in the closing conference for EPF’s campaign on Access to Healthcare for All. At the conference EPF presented their Roadmap for Universal Health Coverage for all. Katharine was invited to speak as a patient organisation representative and stressed the importance of leaving no-one behind if we want to achieve the UN sustainable development goals by 2030. She also stressed how important it is that all stakeholders, including patients, are involved across the board and that involvement is not limited to token gestures when it comes to designing new policies and looking at ways to reduce waste while improving the standard of care. This is all the more true when it comes to complex, chronic and rare diseases where care can be fragmented at best in any country, or almost non-existent in others.

Below you will find EPF’s press release, issued on 6th December.

TAKING ACTION: EPF’S ROADMAP TO ACHIEVE
UNIVERSAL HEALTH COVERAGE FOR ALL BY 2030

BRUSSELS, 6 December 2017 – EPF’s Campaign on Access to Healthcare for All calling for Universal Health Coverage by 2030 is coming to an end. During its closing Conference held today at the European Parliament, EPF presented its Roadmap and called for political change to ensure the rights of all patients are respected, to fight the health inequalities that persist across the EU, and to make health a priority in all policies at national and EU levels.

A tool for political guidance and a call for a long-term vision

Patients and citizens still face many unmet needs and unequal access to healthcare in all EU Member States. The output of EPF’s one-year campaign, EPF’s Roadmap to achieving universal health coverage for all by 2030 aims to tackle these in two main ways: “With this Roadmap we want to provide political guidance and recommendations to policy makers and politicians and to encourage them to have a longer-term vision and to reflect on what kind of society we want for the patient community and the wider public by 2030.” said Nicola Bedlington, EPF Secretary General.

What is EPF advocating for?

This Roadmap is intended mainly for EU and Member State decision and policy-makers and urges them to:

  • Provide equitable access to high-quality care to all patients, regardless of which country the live in or their country of origin;
  • Commit to invest sustainably in healthcare based on outcomes and added value;
  • Ensure the delivery of healthcare products and services that are affordable for all;
  • Promote better coordination of care and implement access to a holistic range of health and related services, ensuring that the package of services covered by the healthcare system is tailored to the needs of patients;
  • End the discrimination and stigma that patients face and make sure that no population is excluded.

UN SDGs as a compass, European health collaboration as a means

The Roadmap emphasises the importance and need to establish a transparent, inclusive and collaborative working process for the implementation of UHC and the UN SDGs.

“I we don’t get it right on the SDG on Health, then there is a risk that the other SDGs will fail. By the same token, if we don’t get it right in health collaboration post 2020, then some other big aspirations for the EU in terms of economics and growth will also fail,” added Nicola Bedlington.

This Roadmap echoes numerous initiatives taken by EPF to increase access for patients and citizens across Europe. On Monday 4th December, the EPF roundtable on cross-border healthcare provided an updated assessment of the current state of implementation of the directive from the perspective of patients, pointing out the gaps in access but also in the quality and safety of the care received across Europe.

Please find here EPF’s Roadmap entitled ‘Taking Action – A Roadmap to Achieving Universal Health Coverage for All by 2030’.

A factsheet giving a snapshot of this Roadmap has also been developed.

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Only one day left for the great day!

🌟 Don't miss our webinar on digital health & patient care! 🌟

⏲️ Time is running out to secure your spot at our transformative webinar.

💻 In this rapidly evolving healthcare landscape, digital health is the way forward, and we want you to be at the forefront of this revolution.

Here's a glimpse of what awaits you:

✅ Engage in enriching discussions led by the esteemed Dr. Philipp Bosch.
✅ Explore the boundless potential of technology in advancing healthcare.

🗓️ Date: September 28th (tomorrow!).
🕗 Time: 20:00 CET.

This is your opportunity to be part of a digital health revolution that's shaping the future of patient care.

Join us and empower yourself with the knowledge that can transform lives! 📱🏥

The webinar will also be streamed live on Facebook. 🎥

Secure your spot now by registering:
📧 Email: secretariat@lupus-europe.org

If you have registered for Zoom already, please ensure you attend via Zoom 🤗.

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2 days ago
LUPUS EUROPE

‼️ Exercise is not only fundamental to general health but especially vital for individuals facing rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs) like #lupus.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), physical inactivity is a significant global health risk, underlining the importance of staying active for overall well-being.

👩‍⚕️ EULAR, recognising this critical link between physical activity and health, has taken proactive steps by convening a task force to study the impact of lifestyle behaviours, including exercise, on RMDs.

Their evidence-based recommendations emphasise the undeniable benefits of exercise for individuals dealing with RMDs, including lupus ⬇️:

1️⃣ Engaging in regular exercise not only promotes general health but also directly impacts RMD symptoms and progression. It's a win-win for your health!

2️⃣ Exercise significantly improves pain, fatigue, function, and overall quality of life for individuals with RMDs like lupus. Your efforts today can yield a better tomorrow.

3️⃣ Try to avoid a sedentary lifestyle. Health professionals should urge individuals with RMDs to steer clear of prolonged physical inactivity, as sedentary behaviour is linked to detrimental health effects in both the general population and those with RMDs.

4️⃣ Aim, at least, for that moderate intensity! Aerobic and strengthening exercises, performed at the right levels, can truly make a difference in managing lupus and its effects on your body.

5️⃣ Remember, it's never too late to start. Exercise is safe and a step towards enhancing your health, even if you've been less active before. Every step counts!

6️⃣ Whether in a group or alone, find what works best for you. The community and support can make a difference, but what matters most is finding what motivates you to keep moving.

🦋 If you're dealing with lupus, know that exercise can be a game-changer for you too, especially for managing symptoms and enhancing your quality of life.

📷 Embrace the power of exercise in managing lupus and share your journey using #kicklupus.

Let's inspire and support each other towards a healthier and more active life despite the challenges of lupus! 💪

ard.bmj.com/content/82/1/48
... See MoreSee Less

‼️ Exercise is not only fundamental to general health but especially vital for individuals facing rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs) like #lupus.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), physical inactivity is a significant global health risk, underlining the importance of staying active for overall well-being.

👩‍⚕️ EULAR, recognising this critical link between physical activity and health, has taken proactive steps by convening a task force to study the impact of lifestyle behaviours, including exercise, on RMDs. 

Their evidence-based recommendations emphasise the undeniable benefits of exercise for individuals dealing with RMDs, including lupus ⬇️:

1️⃣ Engaging in regular exercise not only promotes general health but also directly impacts RMD symptoms and progression. Its a win-win for your health!

2️⃣ Exercise significantly improves pain, fatigue, function, and overall quality of life for individuals with RMDs like lupus. Your efforts today can yield a better tomorrow.

3️⃣ Try to avoid a sedentary lifestyle. Health professionals should urge individuals with RMDs to steer clear of prolonged physical inactivity, as sedentary behaviour is linked to detrimental health effects in both the general population and those with RMDs. 

4️⃣ Aim, at least, for that moderate intensity! Aerobic and strengthening exercises, performed at the right levels, can truly make a difference in managing lupus and its effects on your body.

5️⃣ Remember, its never too late to start. Exercise is safe and a step towards enhancing your health, even if youve been less active before. Every step counts!

6️⃣ Whether in a group or alone, find what works best for you. The community and support can make a difference, but what matters most is finding what motivates you to keep moving.

🦋 If youre dealing with lupus, know that exercise can be a game-changer for you too,  especially for managing symptoms and enhancing your quality of life. 

📷 Embrace the power of exercise in managing lupus and share your journey using #KickLupus.

Lets inspire and support each other towards a healthier and more active life despite the challenges of lupus! 💪

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1 week ago
LUPUS EUROPE

Physical activity (PA) is crucial for everyone, but it holds even greater importance for individuals dealing with lupus and other chronic autoimmune diseases.

Lupus presents unique challenges, and maintaining an active lifestyle can significantly impact the well-being of those living with this condition.

🔵This week, let's highlight the unique benefits of physical activity for individuals with lupus:

1️⃣ Management of Chronic Conditions: 💪 Regular physical activity can help prevent and manage comorbidities like cardiovascular risk and osteoporosis.

2️⃣ Pain Management and Mobility: 🏃Exercise has been proven to enhance joint flexibility, reduce pain, and improve mobility in patients with lupus.

3️⃣ Mental Health and Coping:🧘‍♀️ Exercise can be powerful tool for managing mental health issues like depression and anxiety.

4️⃣ Maintaining Healthy Weight: ⚖️ Regular physical activity can aid in weight management and contribute to a healthier body mass index, which is crucial for managing lupus symptoms effectively.

5️⃣ Improving Fatigue Levels: 🏋️ If you live with fatigue, include exercise as part of your treatment!

6️⃣ Enhancing Bone Health: 🦴 Exercises can improve bone density, helping to mitigate the risk of osteoporosis.

7️⃣ Empowerment and Self-Efficacy: 🌟 Achieving fitness milestones and goals can boost self-efficacy and provides a sense of accomplishment and confidence.

🔴 For individuals with lupus, it's essential to work with healthcare professionals to design a personalized exercise plan that takes into account their specific symptoms, limitations, and overall health status. While staying active is beneficial, the type and intensity of exercise should be tailored to the individual to ensure a safe and effective approach to managing lupus.

That is why we, in collaboration with certified physical therapists, have created a 𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗹𝗼𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗲𝘅𝗲𝗿𝗰𝗶𝘀𝗲 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺. Designed in five levels, this program has received endorsement from renowned European Lupologists. Check it out now! ➡️ www.lupus-europe.org/me-lupus/

🌈 Your journey to improved well-being can begin with us!

Let's #kicklupus together!💪

Always consult a healthcare provider before beginning any exercise regime
... See MoreSee Less

Physical activity (PA) is crucial for everyone, but it holds even greater importance for individuals dealing with lupus and other chronic autoimmune diseases.

Lupus presents unique challenges, and maintaining an active lifestyle can significantly impact the well-being of those living with this condition.

🔵This week, lets highlight the unique benefits of physical activity for individuals with lupus:

1️⃣ Management of Chronic Conditions: 💪 Regular physical activity can help prevent and manage comorbidities like cardiovascular risk and osteoporosis.

2️⃣ Pain Management and Mobility: 🏃Exercise has been proven to enhance joint flexibility, reduce pain, and improve mobility in patients with lupus.

3️⃣ Mental Health and Coping:🧘‍♀️ Exercise can be powerful tool for managing mental health issues like depression and anxiety. 

4️⃣ Maintaining Healthy Weight: ⚖️ Regular physical activity can aid in weight management and contribute to a healthier body mass index, which is crucial for managing lupus symptoms effectively.

5️⃣ Improving Fatigue Levels: 🏋️ If you live with fatigue, include exercise as part of your treatment! 

6️⃣ Enhancing Bone Health: 🦴 Exercises can improve bone density, helping to mitigate the risk of osteoporosis.

7️⃣ Empowerment and Self-Efficacy: 🌟 Achieving fitness milestones and goals can boost self-efficacy and provides a sense of accomplishment and confidence.

🔴 For individuals with lupus, its essential to work with healthcare professionals to design a personalized exercise plan that takes into account their specific symptoms, limitations, and overall health status. While staying active is beneficial, the type and intensity of exercise should be tailored to the individual to ensure a safe and effective approach to managing lupus.

That is why we, in collaboration with certified physical therapists, have created a 𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗹𝗼𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗲𝘅𝗲𝗿𝗰𝗶𝘀𝗲 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺. Designed in five levels, this program has received endorsement from renowned European Lupologists. Check it out now! ➡️ https://www.lupus-europe.org/me-lupus/ 

🌈 Your journey to improved well-being can begin with us!

Lets #KickLupus together!💪

Always consult a healthcare provider before beginning any exercise regimeImage attachmentImage attachment+6Image attachment
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