EFCCA - European Federation of Crohn`s And Colitis Associations
The European Federation of Crohn’s & Ulcerative Colitis Associations (EFCCA) is an umbrella organisation founded in 1991, representing 46 national patient associations across Europe. Its mission is to improve the quality of life for people living with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), including Crohn’s disease and Ulcerative Colitis, by advocating for patient rights, raising awareness, and supporting research.
EFCCA works to enhance patient participation in healthcare and research, ensuring that the needs of people with IBD are addressed at national and European levels. The organisation aims to influence public health policies, improve access to care, and support the development of new treatments for IBD. EFCCA’s core activities include networking between patient organisations, raising awareness about IBD, and promoting patient empowerment. The organisation works closely with healthcare professionals, policymakers, researchers, and the pharmaceutical industry to improve care standards and ensure that IBD patients receive the best possible treatment and support.
In addition, EFCCA is currently involved in 9 European research projects, aimed at advancing research and improving the understanding and treatment of IBD. The organisation also provides educational resources and training through initiatives like the EFCCA Academy, empowering patients to actively engage in their IBD management. With a strong focus on collaboration, EFCCA participates in global efforts to improve IBD care, hosting international meetings and working with global patient organisations. EFCCA works to improve access to care and the quality of life for people living with IBD, while striving for better treatments and, ultimately, a cure for the disease.
Role within PerPrev-CID
EFCCA plays a pivotal role in the PerPrev-CID project, focusing on patient engagement, advocacy, and collaboration to improve early diagnosis and intervention in Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). As a key partner, EFCCA contributes to the development of patient-centered tools and strategies, ensuring that the voices and experiences of IBD patients are integrated into the project’s framework.
One of our most important tasks is to lead the establishment of the IBD Patient Panel, which will provide valuable insights and feedback on the project's activities. We are also involved in the organization of workshops and the dissemination of findings to relevant stakeholders, including patients, healthcare providers, and researchers. EFCCA is actively participating in the development of communication strategies to raise awareness about the project and its impact on IBD care. Additionally, we collaborate with other partners to ensure that the project addresses the real-world challenges faced by IBD patients and contributes to improved care pathways across Europe.
