The UK has launched its first National Allergy Strategy to address fragmented services and rising demand, with one in three people now affected by allergic disease.
Developed by Allergy UK and partners through the National Allergy Strategy Group, the plan sets out a coordinated, four-nation approach to improving prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and long-term management of allergies. It aims to establish allergy as a major chronic condition within health policy and to align services across healthcare, education, food regulation, and workplace settings.
The strategy responds to health system challenges characterized by inconsistent care pathways, limited specialist capacity, and gaps in data and surveillance. It proposes system-level reforms, including embedding allergy care into workforce planning, strengthening community-based services, and improving national data collection.
The UK now has one of the worst allergy rates in the world, accounting for around 6 percent of all GP visits, and 10 percent of GP prescribing budget. The prevalence of allergic rhinitis and eczema has trebled since the 1970s, and hospital admissions for anaphylaxis increased 3-fold between 1998 and 2018.
Patrick Yong, Chair of the Royal College of Pathologists’ Immunology Specialty Advisory Committee, said, “We welcome the ambition of the National Allergy Strategy report, including building a sustainable, skilled workforce to meet growing demand. Immunologists play a vital role in the diagnosis and treatment of allergies, yet three quarters of immunology services do not have enough staff to meet clinical demand.”
Key priorities include reducing preventable harm such as severe allergic reactions, improving quality of life, and addressing health inequalities linked to geography and socioeconomic status. The plan also calls for consistent standards of care across the UK, with better coordination during transitions between services and improved access to effective treatments.
Recommendations extend beyond healthcare, targeting sectors such as schools, catering, retail, and transport to improve safety in everyday environments. Proposed measures include mandatory allergy training in schools, improved access to essential medicines, and the creation of a national allergy register to support surveillance and service planning.
The strategy also highlights the need for a more sustainable workforce, with allergy integrated into professional education and service delivery. Prevention and early intervention are emphasized as key to reducing pressure on the NHS and improving long-term outcomes.
“We need more training posts, protected time for consultants to train the workforce, and better support to retain staff,” said Yong. “Without this, people with allergies will continue to miss out on the vital care they need and deserve.”
Implementation will require coordinated action across government departments, healthcare providers, and public services, with the launch marking the start of a broader program to translate existing evidence into measurable improvements in care.
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