AOECS joins new UEG advisory board to strengthen patient involvement

AOECS has joined a new Patient Representatives Advisory Board (PRAB) established by United European Gastroenterology (UEG). The initiative aims to bring patient perspectives into UEG's public affairs activities and wider efforts to improve digestive health across Europe.

The new advisory board was officially presented during UEG Week 2026 in Barcelona, bringing together European patient organisations representing people living with different digestive diseases.

Through the advisory board, UEG aims to establish a more structured dialogue with patient organisations, drawing on their experiences and insights to inform its activities and priorities.

AOECS welcomes the initiative as a positive step towards closer cooperation between the medical community and patient organisations. Understanding patients' experiences, needs and priorities is an important complement to medical expertise and scientific research when working towards better healthcare.

"We warmly welcome UEG's initiative to give patients a stronger voice in shaping the future of digestive healthcare. Medical expertise is essential, but truly effective research must also take into consideration patients' feedback to be fit for purpose. We are delighted that UEG recognises the importance of this partnership and look forward to contributing the perspectives of people living with coeliac disease", says Veronica Rubio, Secretary General of AOECS

For people living with coeliac disease, issues such as delayed diagnosis, access to appropriate care and the challenges of managing a lifelong condition are important considerations that AOECS hopes to bring into the dialogue.

The advisory board will provide an opportunity for AOECS to exchange knowledge and experiences with other European patient organisations and contribute to discussions on shared challenges in digestive health.

Following its launch, the board is expected to continue its work with a virtual meeting in December.

About United European Gastroenterology (UEG)

United European Gastroenterology (UEG) is a European non-profit organisation bringing together medical specialists and scientific societies working in digestive health. Through education, research, advocacy and its annual UEG Week congress, the organisation works to advance the prevention and treatment of digestive diseases and improve digestive health across Europe.