NABD-BC2 at The Global Patients Congress 2025 – International Alliance of Patients’ Organizations

NABD-BC2 Association participated in the 11th Global Patients Congress (GPC 2025), hosted by the International Alliance of Patients’ Organizations (IAPO) in collaboration with Psoriasis Philippines on 16–17 November 2025 in Manila, Philippines.

This flagship biennial event brought together patient organizations, healthcare professionals, policymakers, and advocates from around the world to discuss strategies for shaping inclusive, patient-centered health systems. Under the theme “From Voices to Action: Patient Organizations Shaping Health System Transformation,” the Congress highlighted the critical role of patient organizations in influencing healthcare policy, governance, and service delivery. It provided a platform for sharing best practices and emphasized the importance of patient voices, social participation, and meaningful engagement in driving change and improving healthcare outcomes globally.

Mrs. Ikram Eseghir, President of NABD-BC2 Association, was invited as a Patient Advocate Expert in a session entitled “How Can Lived Experience Inform and Strengthen Global Health Commitments and National Implementation?” She spoke alongside Dr. Heba Al Sawahli from WHO EMRO and Dr. Maia Olson from WHO headquarters, in a session brilliantly moderated by Danjuma Adda, Executive Director of the Centre for Initiative and Development (CFID) Taraba. This invitation reflects the growing international recognition of Mrs. Eseghir’s leadership in promoting meaningful engagement in Morocco and the region.

During the panel, speakers discussed how lived experiences can inform and strengthen global health commitments and support effective national implementation. The conversation explored ways to integrate patient voices into health policy and governance; the role of patient organizations in bridging the gap between global commitments and local action; strategies for capacity building and advocacy; and approaches to ensure accountability and measure the impact of patient engagement. Mrs. Eseghir highlighted the Moroccan experience, including progress made in governmental initiatives, DUPCC, as well as NGO-led efforts such as NABD-BC2’s Digital Cartography of Patient Organizations, which foster both meaningful engagement and active social participation of patients in health decision-making.

This event was also an excellent opportunity to meet in person with Secretary Teodoro Herbosa from the Department of Health, Philippines; Mr. Josef de Guzman, CEO of Psoriasis Philippines; Mr. Paul Mendoza, President of Psoriasis Philippines; and other key stakeholders.

Several sessions were particularly relevant to our work at NABD-BC2, such as “Equity in Health: Why It Matters for Leaving No One Behind?” and “Best Practices for Co-Creation with Patients in Health-Related Innovation,” featuring Mrs Dani Mocci, CEO of IAPO, and Mrs. Claire Lebled, MSD EEMEA Regional Director, among other panelists. These sessions align closely with our mission to ensure that all patients, including those from underserved or marginalized communities, have a voice in healthcare decisions. They offered practical insights on promoting inclusivity, designing patient-centered solutions, and engaging patients as partners through meaningful engagement and social participation in the development and implementation of health policies and innovations, principles central to NABD-BC2’s advocacy efforts.

We extend our gratitude to the International Alliance of Patients’ Organizations (IAPO) for sponsoring our participation in this important event, and to Dani Mocci, Antonia Gama, and Rachel Githinji, and the rest of the board members for their efforts in ensuring a smooth and enriching experience for the Moroccan delegation.

We seize this opportunity to emphasize the power of patient organizations by quoting Mr. Josef de Guzman: “The future of health won’t happen to us; it will happen through us.”

Thank you to everyone for making this event a success. We look forward to continued collaboration.