EPAG
24 European Patient Advocacy Groups (ePAGs) ensure the representation of the patient voice in the European Reference Networks (ERNs). Learn more below about why the ePAGs were launched and how they have grown.
About the ePAGs
In 2017, following years of advocacy efforts from the rare disease community and EURORDIS, the European Commission launched 24 European Reference Networks (ERNs). The ERNs ensure rare disease expertise can be shared across borders through virtual networks, so that patients don’t have to travel to other countries to get the specialist care they need. The networks are organised by disease groupings.
In parallel, EURORDIS together with the rare disease community launched the ePAGs (the European Patient Advocacy Groups).
The ePAGs were created to ensure the patient voice sits at the core of the ERNs.
There are 24 ePAGs, one per ERN, bringing together patient representatives from European patient organisations. If you want to learn more about the ePAGs and their activities, please visit of their webpages below:
-
List of ePAGs hyperlinks
ePAG advocates
Each ePAG has a number of ‘ePAG advocates’, i.e. patient representatives who represent their wider disease community and bring real-life experiences to the ERN. ePAG advocates are supported by EURORDIS
ePAG advocates ensure that patients’ experiences are incorporated in the strategic vision (by integrating the Networks’ Boards and working groups), hence shaping the ERNs’ priorities and actions to best meet the needs and expectations of the rare disease community.
Do you want to learn more about the ERNs and the role of ePAG advocates? Watch this video and read our short guide and ePAG factsheet to learn more about the ERNs and the role of ePAG advocates.
You can search for an ePAG advocate by:
- First name and last name of the ePAG advocate
- Patient organisation
- Country
- ERN
- Disease
Hear from these patient advocates on why they became ePAG advocates:
Get involved in the ePAGs
Become an ePAG advocate
More than 300 patient advocates are already involved in the ERNs, and additional applications are welcome to cover existing gaps. If you are interested in becoming an ePAG advocate please contact PEM-ePAGs@eurordis.org.
Filter Resources
Use controls below to filter your results.
Latest Videos
If you would like to learn more about getting involved with the ePAGs please contact:
Lenja Wiehe,
Patient Engagement Senior Manager, European Patient Advocacy Groups
Rita Francisco,
Patient Engagement Junior Manager, European Patient Advocacy Groups