Janek Kapper

Janek Kapper has been living with Crohn’s disease since 1996 and has dedicated his life to advocating for the rights and well-being of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients. He is the founder and chairman of the Estonian Inflammatory Bowel Disease Society, established in 2015, where he has led numerous initiatives such as the creation of a children’s mascot named Epsik and the launch of a mobile restroom card application for IBD patients. Janek is also the Chairman of the Patient Council at North Estonian Regional Hospital (PERH), where he works to ensure that patients’ voices are represented in healthcare decision-making.

In addition to his national work, Janek is an ambassador for clinical trials and serves as a member of two working groups within the EU-X-CT Cross-Border Access to Clinical Trials Initiative. He holds various advisory roles, including on the World Patients Alliance and European Crohn’s and Colitis Organization, and has been actively involved in international healthcare collaborations and digital health advocacy. Janek is also a member of the Lasnamäe City Council in Tallinn, where his experience in political and healthcare policymaking is driving patient-centered improvements. Through his extensive contributions to both national and international healthcare efforts, Janek continues to be a passionate and effective advocate for the IBD community.