People representing dozens of diseases, countries and backgrounds will celebrate Patient Solidarity Day on 6 December 2014 and call for healthcare which is affordable, accessible and high quality for everyone. The theme this year is to highlight the need for universal health coverage for all.
The International Alliance of Patients’ Organizations (IAPO) is a unique global alliance representing patients of all nations across all disease areas. We work to promote patient-centred healthcare around the world. With over 240 members, IAPO represents an estimated 365 million patients. Find more about IAPO online.
Patient Solidarity Day was started by the Morris Moses Foundation in Kenya in 2011. Initially focused on the African continent, the Day has grown and is now a global event with organizations from Europe, Latin America and the rest of the world taking part.
Along with IAPO and its members, organizations including Alzheimer’s Disease International and the European Patients Forum will take part and raise awareness on the Day.
Patients from around the world – from Brazil to India, Uganda to Poland – will carry out a range of activities to mark the Day. These will include marches, free health screenings and workshops, all to call for truly patient-centred healthcare and Universal Health Coverage. IAPO congratulates all our members and partners in their work in raising awareness and standing in solidarity.
Kin-ping Tsang, chair of IAPO, said: “IAPO is excited to celebrate Patient Solidarity Day this year. Every patient should have access to the healthcare they need. Our members and patients from across the world will unite on 6 December to call for universal health coverage. There has never been a better time to speak up and put patients at the centre of healthcare.”
Last year, Patient Solidarity Day was celebrated in Africa by 17 organisations across ten different countries. This year is our biggest year yet, with global engagement and support.
Jo Groves, chief executive officer of IAPO, said: “Patient Solidarity Day is an opportunity to raise awareness and support for patient-centred healthcare. We know that patient-centred healthcare will significantly improve health systems and most importantly improve patients’ journeys so that they have a better quality of life. This is a critical time for us to ensure that the patient voice is central to the post-2015 development agenda and the achievement of Universal Health Coverage.”
Claire Morris, Global Advocacy Director for the Worldwide Hospice Palliative Care Alliance, said: “The Worldwide Hospice Palliative Care Alliance stands with patients with life-limiting illness around the world who are demanding person-centred health care for all on Patient Solidarity Day. Quality of life and dignity in life and death is a critical issue for people living with cancer, HIV, dementia and other life-limiting illnesses. We are delighted to support this strong call to action from patients and patient groups.”
Find more information on Patient Solidarity Day online.
Follow the action on Twitter – tweet using the hashtag #PSD2014 – and on Facebook.
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