Air Liquide confirms its commitment to patients.
Spain, March 2012.- the line of business world of Medicinal of the Group renews its support for the EFA, European Federation of associations of patients affected by respiratory illness or allergies, a year after the signing of an agreement of collaboration. located in Brussels, this organization which brings together national associations of patients (22 countries represented)(, 500,000 members) that they suffer from respiratory problems, has as mission do know better their needs at European level.
Air Liquide supports the actions of information and awareness of the opinion and European public authorities about the lung disease chronic obstructive (COPD) carried out by the EFA. This pathology, sub-diagnosticada, represents a major public health problem. The prevalence of COPD varies according to European countries from 4 to 10% of the adult population. The World Health Organization provides that in 2030, COPD will be the 3rd cause of death in the world.
Air Liquide also supports the actions of the EFA to facilitate the movement of oxygen therapy patients, as for example in the framework of harmonization of the conditions of carriage in aircraft, which would allow easier access to treatment to patients under oxygen.
medicinal gases and homeworkers, Air Liquide health leader attends at his home to nearly 200,000 patients treated with oxygen therapy of long duration in Europe, and works every day to improve their quality of life, in particular by facilitating their mobility.
Breda Flood, President of the EFA, says: «Are grateful to Air Liquide Healthcare for the confidence which shows to accompany us in specific projects whose purpose is to improve the quality of life of patients».
Pascal Vinet, Director of the line of business world of Medicinal and Medicinal operations of the group, said: «As a company responsible for health, we are pleased to renew our support for the EFA.» The dialogue between all interested parties – associations of patients, health professionals, scientific societies, public and industrial powers of the health sector – is essential for better care of patients and to fight effectively against the growth of respiratory diseases. »
About Air Liquide
Air Liquide is world leader in gases for industry, health and the environment and is present in 80 countries with 46.200 collaborators. Oxygen, nitrogen, hydrogen and the noble gases are at the heart of the activity of Air Liquide since its creation in 1902. From these molecules Air Liquide continuously reinvents its business to anticipate the challenges of their present and future markets. The Group innovates to enable progress, at the time that excels in getting together a dynamic growth and regularity in their results.
innovative technologies to limit emissions, reduce energy consumption of industry, put in value natural resources or develop the energies of tomorrow, such as hydrogen, biofuels or photovoltaic energy … oxygen for hospitals, home care, contribute to the fight against nosocomial diseases … Air Liquide combines many products with various technologies to develop applications and services with strong added value for its customers and society.
a partner for the long term. The Group relies on the commitment of its employees, the confidence of its customers and the support of its shareholders to develop a long-term focus on competitive growth vision. The diversity of its teams, activities, markets and geographical presence ensures the soundness and sustainability of their development, and strengthens its ability to continuously conquer new territories to overcome its own limits, and build their future.
Air Liquide explores the best that air can offer to preserve life, maintain a dynamic of responsibility and of sustainable development. In 2011, its turnover reached 14,500 million EUR of which more than 80% out of France. Air Liquide is listed on the stock exchange of Euronext Paris (compartment A) and is part of the CAC index 40 et Dow Jones Euro Stoxx 50.
