## The Silent Epidemic: A Call for National Mobilization Against Rising Allergies
Allergies are no longer a seasonal nuisance, but a rapidly escalating public health crisis affecting over one in three people in France, with significant medical, economic, and social repercussions. This stark reality was the central message emerging from recent discussions amongst allergology professionals, highlighting an urgent need for accelerated national mobilization.
While recognized as a distinct specialty in 2017, allergology currently lacks the robust university framework necesary for its full growth. A key demand voiced by speakers, including Professor Lezmi, is the creation of a National university Council (CNU) dedicated to allergology, potentially through a dedicated inter-subsection. Establishing a CNU would facilitate the appointment of more qualified teachers, bolster intern training, stimulate research, and enhance the overall appeal of the specialty.
Alongside strengthening the academic foundation, a more structured healthcare offering is crucial. The General Directorate of Healthcare Supply (DGOS) has announced a national survey, planned for the first half of 2026, to assess the implementation of Transversal Allergology Units (UTAs) across regional health agencies and ensure consistent application nationwide. Allergists emphasized the vital role utas play in managing complex cases, conducting specialized diagnostic tests - including provocation tests – and providing essential training for interns. Successful UTA development requires dedicated funding, the creation of specific allergist positions, notably within hospitals, and a clear demonstration of political commitment.
further bolstering the field,Professor Frédéric Bérard,President of the French society of Allergology (SFA),announced the creation of an Endowment Fund for allergies. This fund will prioritize the advancement of allergology research, supporting innovative projects and accelerating the development of new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
Despite the growing patient population, Dr. Isabelle Bosse, president of the french Allergy and Asthma Federation (FFAL), succinctly summarized the core challenge: “*we do not lack patients, we lack resources*.” Though, impactful solutions are within reach, even without substantial financial investment. Increasing the number of allergology interns within the existing *numerus clausus* (capped student enrollment) and establishing a CNU – which carries no additional cost – represent immediate, viable steps.
The core issue,thus,is not solely financial,but fundamentally political. public decision-makers must now acknowledge the scale of this growing epidemic and prioritize the implementation of these solutions to sustainably improve the health of millions of French citizens. Allergology is not just a treatment specialty, but a vital prevention tool essential for reducing the burden of chronic diseases at both the individual and collective levels. The time for decisive action is now.
1 EAACI 2015
2 EAACI : European Association of Allergy & Clinical Immunology
3 AAAAI : American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology
4 SFA: French Society of Allergology
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