Adrenaline (epinephrine) is the first-line treatment for anaphylaxis and, therefore, is listed as an essential medication for the treatment of anaphylaxis by the World Health Organization (WHO). However, the availability of adrenaline autoinjectors (AAI) for use as first-aid treatment is limited to only 32% of all the world’s 195 countries, most of which are high-income countries. The key issues leading to the lack of availability of AAIs include cost, national regulations, lack of regional evidence on the value of epinephrine, and limited accurate data about the epidemiology of anaphylaxis. For these reasons, regional and international allergy academies support initiatives to narrow these gaps. Our WHO Collaborating Centre is deeply involved in this process. This document aims to serve as a baseline to ensure the following: (1) adequate access to affordable autoinjectors for all patients/societies; and (2) the development of disease-/patient-specific approaches. Therefore, we propose a 5-step action plan that aims to gather accurate epidemiological data on anaphylaxis and autoinjector consumption, confirm partnerships, strengthen awareness, and include AAIs in the WHO Model List of Essential Medicines. These aspects should be considered in combination. A prioritized research agenda should encapsulate all these steps within the framework a global initiative against anaphylaxis. More than calling for universal availability of autoinjectors for optimal management of anaphylaxis, we propose an action plan as the baseline for a global initiative against anaphylaxis. We strongly believe that combined efforts will ensure a strong public health and societal approach that will lead to optimal care of allergic patients and best practices in allergology.

Key words: Anaphylaxis, Adrenaline/epinephrine autoinjectors, Classification, Epidemiology, Essential medicine, International Classification of Diseases, Prevention, World Health Organization