CBP Portugal - Associação de Apoio a Doentes com Colangite Biliar Primária

The CBP Portugal, Association Supporting Patients with Primary Biliary Cholangitis (PBC), began its journey with a group of people with this disease who connected through a Facebook group. This group was created in 2019 by a patient with PBC, with the aim of contacting others with the same condition and sharing experiences.

In September 2023, after a meeting in Porto at the 1st Meeting for patients and families with PBC, titled “PBC For Everyone,” we realized the need to create an association dedicated to people with PBC. Thus, in January 2024, CBP Portugal was established with the goal of supporting everyone who suffers, directly or indirectly, from this disease.

The main objectives of CBP Portugal are to support patients, families, and friends; organize activities deemed necessary for raising awareness about the disease within the community; represent its members and/or patients with Primary Biliary Cholangitis before official bodies; promote and collaborate on studies related to Primary Biliary Cholangitis; and cooperate with counterpart associations at regional, national, and international levels.

Additionally, we aim to strengthen the defense of patients’ rights, promote active participation in health policies, and give greater visibility to rare diseases. We are also committed to sharing experiences and collaborating with other associations, contributing to health literacy, empowering patients, and ensuring equitable access to care.

The current governing bodies of CBP Portugal consist of ten women with PBC and one family member, coming from various parts of the country, of different ages, and with diagnoses ranging from a few months to several years.

In summary, the association aims to raise awareness among the entire community about the existence of this rare disease, as well as to show that we are not alone in this fight against PBC. We created CBP Portugal for all of us, and we believe we will be an asset to everyone, working tirelessly to achieve the goals we have set for ourselves.