The NOVA National School of Public Health (NOVA NSPH) hosted a celebration of Patients’ Associations, through an initiative that sought to think about the opportunities and challenges associated with the creation of cooperation networks between Social Sector Organisations. Under the motto ‘Celebrating Patients’ Associations: Shared Value, Added Value’, the initiative made it possible to listen to various associations and promote collaborative work to come up with ideas that improve the lives of people with illnesses and their families and carers.
The initiative was organised by the Academy for the Empowerment of Patient Associations (ACAD), a project developed by NOVA NSPH with the support of Roche, which aims to support patient associations in developing and strengthening their role as actors in the healthcare system. At the opening session, Ana Rita Oliveira Goes, coordinator of ACAP and professor at NOVA NSPH, and Isabel Pereira dos Santos, head of Public Policy at Roche Portugal, emphasised the importance that the project has had in improving public health in Portugal, cementing the importance of creating collaborative networks.
This session marked the end of what is now the fifth edition of ACAD and was marked by many dynamic moments, such as the creation of a mural with the special contribution that each association can make to improving the healthcare system for all. The session discussed the various synergies that can be created for the benefit of patients and carers and the efforts that are needed to overcome any challenges that may be associated with networking.
ACAD is aimed at members of patient associations, but it also wants to reach out to other players, fostering collaborative dialogue and helping to give patient associations a voice. In this fifth edition, the project promoted by NOVA NSPH has focused on specialising the action of patient associations and developing alliances, without losing the original essence of ACAD in terms of guaranteeing the empowerment of those who set out to defend the rights of people with illnesses.