World PI Week 2021: Will you be striking a “Y” to support the primary cause of immunodeficiency?
From the 22nd April to 29th of April 2021, people from around the world will celebrate the World PI Week campaign, to raise awareness and understanding of primary immunodeficiency. The ultimate goal is to bring about change in policy and healthcare practice and improve the care and quality of life of patients and their families.
This year, we want to highlight that together, we can make a difference in the lives of the millions living with PID worldwide, by stimulating early diagnosis and access to care.
World PI Week 2021 embraces three themes that are all the more relevant in the COVID-19 context: patient safety and protection with a focus on vaccination; plasma availability; and quality of life.
There are over 430 different types of primary immunodeficiencies which are estimated to affect over 6 million people worldwide. In [add your country], nearly [add number of people with PI] are living with these rare diseases.
While across the world all eyes are on the COVID-19 vaccination progress, World PI Week 2021 aims to remind that by protecting each other with vaccinations, we protect people with a compromised or weak immune system, such as those living with PIDs – also, during routine immunization. Further, although the availability of plasma is essential to produce life-saving therapies for many patients, the pandemic has impacted supplies in many parts of the world. This is a reminder that during COVID-19 and beyond, plasma donation is vital.
The spirit of this global endeavour is all about collaboration, awareness, investment and action to ensure that research, early diagnosis and better access to treatment are given greater visibility and feature high on health policy agendas, in order to improve patients’ quality of life.
Taking part in World PI Week 2021 means helping make a difference, in support of patients and their families around the world.
During the campaign, IPIA – Irish Primary Immunodeficiencies Association at the Children’s Health Ireland (CHI) Hospital, St James’s Hospital Dublin and Beaumont Hospital will have activities for World PI Week. We hope you will join us!
Learn more about how to mark the World PI Week here. You will find materials and ideas to help you raise awareness and take part in the efforts of the primary immunodeficiency community globally!
More information: www.worldpiweek.org or email info@worldpiweek.org
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