Men’s health appeared for the first time on the training programme of the European Patients Forum (EPF) and European Federation of Pharmaceutical Associations and Industries (EFPIA) in Brussels last month at the third edition of their training seminar.
Peter Baker, of the Men’s Health Forum England and Wales (MHF), presented on men’s health advocacy campaigns as part of the afternoon sessions. EMHF Director Erick Savoye said: ‘Peter’s expert presentation on techniques used by MHF to develop successful campaigns was well received. And although, the men’s health topic was new to most delegates, it sparked much interest.’
As a member of EPF, EMHF enabled the participation of three representatives of its member organisations. They joined a conference of about 60 delegates from patient advocacy organisations, representing a wide range of conditions and countries from across Europe. All delegates were able to meet with MEPs of their own countries in the European Parliament.
The agenda included presentations on key policy issues and funding opportunities, notably under the new DG Research programme (FP7). Speakers from the European Commission, and from the German Permanent Representation shared their views and insights into future EU developments. In the afternoon, delegates were treated to two parallel sessions: media training for patient advocates, and a session on developing advocacy campaigns
Sabine Pirnay-Kromer who represented EMHF’s German member ISG, was very enthusiastic. ‘It was exciting to†talk to other NGOs to hear about their problems and solutions. There I found some usable ideas for our situation. Another impulse came there, that decision came†to start a men’s health centre here in Freiburg. We want to establish a lecture circle, where different interdisciplinary doctors talk about all kinds of prevention, problems or diseases, which are relevant for men.’
