Provision of Care—Implementation of the Finnish Allergy Programme 2008–2018

Abstract There are no reports of coordinated action plans to combat all allergic conditions, including asthma, in a defined population. The Finnish Allergy Programme 2008–18 was based on new scientific data of immune development and changed avoidance strategy to tolerance strategy at population level. Medicalization and psychological tolerance were also considered. Severe allergy and asthma were in focus, and allergy health —good life even with allergies—was promoted. Implementation was carefully planned, organized and monitored to help health care adapt the new ideas and improve provision of care. Almost 21,000 health care professionals have taken part in more than 300 educational sessions. An information campaign targeted lay public and 2.3 million Finns were reached. The general messages of the programme were widely accepted and the midterm results indicated that the goals set at the beginning were pragmatic and obtainable. The successes and pitfalls of the Finnish initiative is a lesson to learn, to be adjusted, modified and improved according to local and national needs. Allergic conditions are a heterogenous group of common symptoms causing a lot of disability and costs. A systematic approach can significantly reduce the burden at population level.