Since 2014, our organization has had a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the council of patient associations in the field of rare and intractable diseases. Since then, we have also collaborated and held discussions with patient councils in the fields of chronic diseases and cancer. Through these efforts, we came to recognize the importance of having a meeting in Japan that brings together patients, families, and stakeholders across disease areas. With this recognition, we have been preparing for the past two years.

JPoM was organized with the Japan Cancer Patient Organization (ZenGanRen) and the Japan Patients Association (JPA) as convening organizations, and with NPO ASrid and the General Incorporated Association Peeek serving as the secretariat. In addition, the meeting was supported by a grant from the Shōriki Memorial Foundation, with the sponsorship of the Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development (AMED), and with the cooperation of the Health and Global Policy Institute (HGPI). A total of 32 supporting patient organizations also joined.

The event was held in a hybrid format—compact in person but widely accessible online—and more than 200 people participated in total. We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to everyone who joined.

Sessions were divided into “Medical Care,” “Daily Life,” and “Systems,” with lectures delivered by experts from diverse fields. Lively discussions unfolded through comments and questions from participants. Many insights emerged, both about issues unique to each field and about challenges shared across different areas.

Society does not change easily. Yet, to make things better, even step by step, we must think together and take action. JPoM will continue these efforts with everyone, moving forward together.

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577034846898#