Session 15

The invisible burden of mental health on non-communicable diseases

Collaborative care and atopic eczema

Organised by the European Federation of Allergy and Airways Diseases Patients' Associations in collaboration with the World Skin Health Coalition, supported by Sanofi/Regeneron Alliance

A resilient European Union (EU) is built on the wellbeing and health of its citizens. Chronic conditions place a major mental health burden on Europeans, with up to 30% of patients experiencing depression or anxiety, far above general population levels. The dual challenges of chronic diseases and their psychosocial impact undermine Europe’s socio-economic resilience.

In the case of atopic eczema, the most common chronic inflammatory skin disease, up to 50% of patients face mental‑health issues, few receive psychological support. This fuels inequities, and highlights the need for EU‑level action. This session, complemented with interactive exhibition on the burden of atopic eczema, will address the mental health dimension of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and explore actionable points to integrate collaborative care into EU health policies, and start designing the next programme after the end of the EU strategy “Healthier Together”, combatting NCDs.

Speakers to be announced