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Chronic respiratory diseases

    Overview

    Chronic respiratory diseases are chronic diseases of the airways and other structures of the lung. Some of the most common are asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), respiratory allergies, occupational lung diseases and pulmonary hypertension.

    Impact
    Health and development in the WHO European Region are increasingly threatened by the alarming surge in preventable noncommunicable diseases.  Among the most widespread of these conditions are chronic respiratory diseases, which adversely impact the quality of life of affected individuals and potentially lead to premature death. They also have large adverse economic effects on families, communities and societies in general. 
    WHO response

    WHO/Europe aims to support Member States in their efforts to reduce the toll of morbidity, disability and premature mortality related to chronic respiratory diseases. Specific objectives include surveillance to assess the current problem and monitor progress, reduction of exposure to risk factors and strengthening of health systems to improve care for people suffering from chronic respiratory diseases. A comprehensive and integrated approach is taken to address risk factors that span many different policy sectors, including transportation, industry, housing, occupational health and safety, education and health care.

    Our work

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    Publications

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    Avoidable mortality, risk factors and policies for tackling noncommunicable diseases – leveraging data for impact: monitoring commitments in the WHO European Region ahead of the Fourth United Nations High-Level Meeting
    The report notes that, in order to tackle NCDs and address the commercial, social, environmental and digital determinants of health, there is a need for...
    Chronic respiratory diseases in the WHO European Region

    This report on chronic respiratory diseases (‎CRDs)‎ in the WHO European Region, developed by WHO and the European Respiratory Society (‎ERS)‎,...

    Building a public health innovation ecosystem in the WHO European Region: meeting report, 11–12 March 2024, Copenhagen

    This meeting report highlights the pressing health challenges faced by the WHO European Region, including noncommunicable diseases, tobacco use, vaccine-preventable...

    Related WHO collaborating centres

    WHO collaborating centres are institutions that form an international collaborative network carrying out activities to support WHO’s programmes at all levels. They provide an opportunity for WHO to utilize their inherent expertise for the benefit of all Member States.

    View the list of related collaborating centres