Global launch in Beijing, China

The official launch for the Global Alliance for Chronic Respiratory Diseases (GARD) was held on 28 March 2006 at the Presidential Plaza Hotel, Beijing, People's Republic of China. Statements were made by Dr Long de Wang, Vice Minister of Health, China and Dr HJ Bekedam, WHO Representative in China. The Launch Ceremony was followed by the General Meeting of the Alliance that convened all the collaboration parties.

Programme and presentations

Dr Longde Wang, Vice Minister of Health, People's Republic of China

08h30 - 09h00 Registration of Participants

09h00 - 09h30 Opening

10h00 - 12h00 Press Conference

  • The burden of CRD, an urgent need for action
    pdf, 246kb

    Dr. Suzanne Hurd, Scientific Director Global Initiative for GINA/GOLD
    Hundreds of million people around the world suffer from CRD. 4 million premature deaths a year are due to CRD. The cost of inaction is unacceptable.

Global Launch of GARD in Beijing, People's Republic of China
  • The fragmented CRD programs in the world
    pdf, 532kb

    Dr. Nikolai Khaltaev (Responsible Officer, Chronic Respiratory Diseases, WHO)
    Programs for the prevention and management of asthma and COPD are implemented with success in developed and developing countries. However, they are fragmented and there is a need for more comprehensive and coordinated programs.

  • The first example of tobacco ban in the world: Ireland
    pdf, 246kb

    Dr. Michale Boland (Irish College of General Practitioners)
    Prevention of CRD is essential. Tobacco is a major threat. Tobacco ban can be a great success as shown from the first country where the ban was implemented. However, there are many other risk factors which count.

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