Abigail Zalba from Spain, General Coordinator of Coeliac Youth of Europe (CYE), will participate in the first European Patients’ Forum (EPF) Youth Congress, taking place in Brussels on 23–24 October 2026.
As the youth network of the Association of European Coeliac Societies (AOECS), CYE works to improve the lives of young people with coeliac disease through international cooperation, knowledge-sharing and advocacy. Abigail's participation provides an opportunity to bring their perspectives into wider European discussions about patient rights, health equity and meaningful youth participation in decision-making.
Under the theme “Securing Young Patient Advocacy in Times of Multiple Crises”, the Congress will bring together young patient advocates, policymakers, healthcare professionals, researchers and civil society representatives from across Europe. The event aims to strengthen the role of young people living with chronic conditions in shaping European health policies and building more inclusive and resilient healthcare systems.
Making young patients' voices heard
Young people living with coeliac disease face challenges that extend well beyond maintaining a strict gluten-free diet. Access to safe food, appropriate healthcare and mental health support can affect their opportunities to participate fully in education, employment, travel and social activities.
These concerns are reflected in AOECS's recently published position paper on the EU Youth Strategy post-2027, which calls for greater recognition of chronic health conditions and invisible disabilities in European youth policies.
The EPF Youth Congress will address several closely related topics, including meaningful youth participation in health policy, health equity, social protection and the future of patient advocacy in Europe.
For AOECS, ensuring that young people with coeliac disease are heard in these discussions is an important part of building a more inclusive Europe.
Strengthening youth advocacy across Europe
The Congress will feature plenary sessions, interactive workshops and opportunities for collaboration between young patient advocates and European decision-makers.
AOECS welcomes this opportunity for its youth network to engage in European patient advocacy and help ensure that the experiences and needs of young people with coeliac disease are reflected in decisions affecting their future.
EPF Youth Congress