In the current complex and fast-evolving situation across Europe resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, the European Chronic Disease Alliance (ECDA) has issued a letter to the European Commission President Dr Von der Leyen and the European Commissioner for Health Ms Kyriakides to express our understanding and support to the European Commission in addressing this health crisis and assisting Member States in these challenging times.

ECDA salutes the dedication and restless efforts of individuals and organisations who contribute to preventing, containing, and mitigating the effects of the outbreak; including healthcare and allied professionals who are on the front line to care for Europeans.

People with chronic conditions are part of the specific risk groups who are more prone to developing severe forms of the disease according to current evidence. ECDA welcomes the advice of the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) for these groups, their families and care-givers.

While the medical “branches” of our members are working on the frontline of the outbreak, ECDA remains fully committed to support the European Commission in responding to this crisis, and working together for visionary health action at the EU level.

ECDA will continue to support more European-level decision making in dealing with health issues.

Read the full letter here

More information and resources on COVID-19 from ECDA members:

• Respiratory: ERS resources
• Cancer: ESMO resources; ECCO resources
• Cardiology: ESC resources; EHN resources
• Diabetes: IDF Europe resources
• Hypertension: ESH resources
• Kidney: ERA-EDTA resources
• Liver: EASL resources
• Digestive diseases: UEG resources 
• Allergy/asthma: EAACI resources

WHO guidance and updates on COVID-19 are available here.