Spanish Association Urges Legislative Action for Anaphylaxis Awareness
A nationwide push for greater awareness and standardized emergency protocols for anaphylaxis is underway in Spain, as the Spanish Association of People with Food and Latex Allergy (Aepnaa) formally requested institutional declarations from key legislative bodies.
Madrid – The Spanish Association of People with Food and Latex Allergy (Aepnaa) is intensifying its efforts to combat the potentially fatal consequences of anaphylaxis. On Thursday, November 20, 2025, the association formally requested the Congress of Deputies and regional parliaments in Asturias, Galicia, Andalusia, the Canary Islands, Castilla y León, and Cantabria to adopt an institutional declaration in recognition of International Anaphylaxis Day, taking place tomorrow, Friday, November 21, 2025.
According to Aepnaa, the proposed declaration aims to significantly increase public understanding of anaphylaxis – a severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction. Galicia has already signaled its support, becoming the first autonomous community to join the initiative.
The declaration, the full text of which has been provided to the legislative chambers, emphasizes the critical importance of preventative measures, comprehensive training, and a swift response to anaphylactic episodes. It also calls for strengthened public policies designed to protect vulnerable populations, particularly school-aged children.
Aepnaa is simultaneously launching an institutional outreach program to advocate for clear and consistent protocols. Beyond the request for the declaration, the association announced plans to engage with regional governments in the coming weeks to promote standardized action plans for anaphylaxis in public settings, with a specific focus on educational institutions. A key concern is ensuring adequate training for school staff to recognize and respond effectively to severe allergic reactions. “Simple legislation…guarantees responsible action by the educational community,” Aepnaa stated, pointing to successful models implemented in other European countries.
Immediate Action is Crucial
Aepnaa underscored the life-or-death nature of rapid intervention, stating that “having accessible autoinjectors and trained personnel makes the difference between life and death, since anaphylaxis requires immediate administration of adrenaline.”
Data indicates the annual incidence of anaphylaxis in Spain ranges from 3.2 to 30 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, with a lifetime prevalence of up to 2% of the population. The association argues that the safety of children with severe allergies should not be contingent on their school’s resources or ad-hoc initiatives. “Equality in safety is a public responsibility. Protection cannot depend on the zip code,” a spokesperson for Aepnaa asserted.
The association’s overarching goal is to establish a unified framework for prevention, security, and rapid response across Spain, creating prepared environments and mitigating the risk of emergencies occurring without adequate resources.
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