Global Alliance against Chronic Respiratory Diseases (GARD)

Mission

To champion the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of chest diseases through education, communication, and research.

Description of work

The American College of Chest Physicians (CHEST) is the professional home for more than 20 000 pulmonary, critical care and sleep medicine professionals seeking clinical education and connection to the worldwide chest medicine community. We seek to advance best patient outcomes for patients with lung diseases through education, advocacy, research and philanthropy. CHEST’s mission is to champion the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of chest diseases through education, communication and research and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment where the diverse experiences and perspectives of all members of the CHEST community are amplified, affirmed and valued. CHEST is governed by a Board of Regents that provides direction and oversight for our strategy and objectives, including programme development, financial review, and accountability on our organizational goals. Chaired by the President, our board is made up of volunteer clinicians who represent a wide range of specialties and types of medicine.

• Education: Through our annual meeting, board review courses, simulation courses, CHEST SEEK™ study tools, and e-learning resources, we help clinicians provide the highest quality patient care.
• Advocacy: With a focus on legislative actions that improve access to health, we fight for policies that prevent and treat lung disease, empower clinicians, and save lives. Our policy agenda centres on practical solutions that reflect the needs of those who are directly affected by the issues.
• Research: In the fast-changing landscape of pulmonary, critical care, and sleep medicine, we advance patient care through publishing rigorous clinical research. We help practitioners respond to today’s challenges through our three peer-reviewed scholarly journals and clinical practice guidelines.
• Philanthropy: Through our philanthropic efforts, we have worked to eliminate health disparities by addressing barriers to accessing quality health care. We have awarded more than $10 million in grants for research and community health programmes, in addition to funding initiatives that help improve patient care.

Mission

To accelerate global innovation in the advancement of respiratory health through multidisciplinary collaboration, education, and advocacy.

Description of work

The 4 pillars of ATS

With this new mission as our driving force, all ATS activities will now fall under 4 main pillars of respiratory health:

Leading scientific discovery

ATS is a leader in the fundamentals of respiratory science. Providing the most recent and relevant findings in cellular and molecular biology, biochemistry, pharmacology, populations, and translational science, breathing and lung physiology (including ventilation/breathing). This commitment to research and discovery in science is the gold standard in the field.

Transforming patient care

ATS members set the highest standard for respiratory care and treatment of patients. ATS is the leading source for clinical tools, practice guidelines, and best practices based on the latest research and innovation.

Impacting global health

ATS drives positive, proactive change to improve public respiratory health and prevention on a local, national, and global scale. This applies to environmental issues such as air quality, climate change, exposure to contaminants, and potential manmade disasters, as well as contagious diseases and tobacco prevention. Robust research and risk awareness drive change to “help the world breathe”.

Advancing professional development

ATS is a catalyst for the growth and development of health care professionals and practices. Education, networking, mentorship, funding, and career opportunities are essential to excel and advance.

Mission

The advancement and promotion of knowledge of the respiratory system in health and disease.

Description of work

The Society strives to encourage research, improve clinical practice through training, increase awareness of health problems and promote the exchange of knowledge among respirologists in the Asia-Pacific region and beyond. The specific aims of the Society are:

• promoting and coordinating activities in the field of respiratory medicine
• fostering research activities in the field of respiratory medicine
• organizing and coordinating regular congresses and occasional meetings
• producing regular scientific publications.

Mission

To improve respiratory health outcomes for all.

Description of work

Asthma and Respiratory Foundation NZ (ARFNZ) is New Zealand's principal authority for all respiratory conditions, representing the interests of the 700 000 New Zealanders living with respiratory disease. The Foundation's purpose is to lead respiratory health knowledge through research, education, and advocacy, with the goal to reduce respiratory-related hospitalizations and improve respiratory health outcomes for all. The Foundation works to achieve this through a combination of activities including: developing clinical best practice; encouraging self-management; improving health literacy; delivering education; and raising the national profile of respiratory disease in New Zealand. ARFNZ operates with no contract Government funding and is solely reliant on generous grants, sponsorship, and donations.

Mission

The Austrian Lung Union (ÖLU) provides information from both conventional medicine and complementary medicine. It also offers practical tips and strategies for avoiding and managing the disease. This is intended to improve the ability to make judgments about one's own illness, but also about therapy and rehabilitation options. Information about alternative or complementary forms of treatment should give those affected the opportunity to better assess the quality, the benefit of therapy and the costs of this rapidly growing offer.

Description of work

• Over 25 virtual live-patient information events with experts and Q&A.
• Patient event 1 x yearly in the city hall of Vienna with 9 top experts, with talk and room for discussion.
• Information and training about shared decision-making for asthma and for AD including guidelines.
• Public awareness campaigns about COPD and about COVID-19 risk factors and treatment options.
• Monthly online live breathing exercises with trainer and brochure with 20 exercises for at home training and videos to watch correct training.
• 15 videos about lung cancers topics and quarterly patient events for this special topic with Experts and Q&A.
• Participation in activities at WLD, WCOPDD, WAD; WADD.
• Information and flyer about clinical trial patient as a partner in R&D and benefits.

Mission

1. To encourage and coordinate communication, collaboration, and cooperation between the health professions, community organizations, people living with lung disease, and the business community on issues relating to lung disease in order to benefit and assist people with lung disease and their caregivers.
2. To formulate and implement campaigns to promote public awareness of lung disease.
3. To encourage health professionals to use recognized and accepted methods of diagnosis, treatment, management, and care of people with lung disease.
4. To provide a forum for discussion and communication on lung disease for stakeholders.
5. To encourage the development of policies on lung disease in conjunction with other interested bodies and individuals.
6. To make representations to and consult with any government, nongovernment bodies, or other authorities regarding lung disease.
7. To communicate and implement policies or evidence-based and consensus statements on issues related to lung disease developed or adopted by Bangladesh Lung Foundation in relation to the diagnosis, treatment, management, and care of people with lung disease.
8. To establish the Bangladesh Lung Foundation as the national coordinating body for lung disease issues across all stakeholders at national, international, and regional levels.
9. To undertake and develop and promote priorities for research into lung disease, including etiological, clinical, educational, and epidemiological research, in order to assist in the development of an integrated framework for lung disease research leading to improvement in health, social and economic outcomes.

Description of work

• Achieving professional development and dissemination of updated knowledge on specific diseases.
• Formulating workshop modules and interactive courses.
• Raising awareness among people and educate them on prevention and management of specific disease using social media, tv, radio, newspaper.
• Involving policy-makers, government and nongovernment organizations, and media to implement planned activities.

Mission

Promote continuing medical education and the dissemination of knowledge in the area of allergy and immunology, strengthen professional practice with excellence in the specialty of allergy and immunology in the public and private spheres, and disseminate to society the importance of preventing and treating allergic diseases and immunodeficiencies.

Description of work

ASBAI's outstanding activities include annual congresses, the Asthma, Allergy and Immunology Archives (quarterly), ASBAI Bulletin (monthly digital newsletter), immersion courses, distance continuing medical education – University ASBAI ( online conferences and courses ), active participation in digital media – Website; Facebook – @asbai.alergia) and awareness campaigns aimed at the lay public.

Mission

N/A

Description of work

1. Teaching and updating curriculum for chronic respiratory diseases and co-morbidities for under-graduates and post -Graduates students.
2. Training of primary care doctors in health centres in collaboration with the Ministry of Health (MOH) and the WHO Country Office for the good practice; a book (National practical guide for CRD) was edited in 2016 and updated in 2022 for this purpose, taking into consideration PEN-WHO, GINA and GOLD.
3. Educating patients with brochures and videos, especially on avoiding risk factors (passive and active tobacco smoking and environmental pollutants). Inhaler technique and adherence to preventive therapy (onsite or by WhatsApp or the internet).
4. Communicating with the community for CRD campaigns.
5. Addressing policy-makers in MOH.
6. Communicating with the WHO Country Office and GARD/WHO.
7. Clinical research on CRD and comorbidities, in collaboration with national, regional and international partners. Especially through GARD/WHO.
8. We include war impact on CRD in all our research, training and publications.

Mission

The National Center for Respiratory Medicine is dedicated to promoting the development of pulmonary and critical care medicine (PCCM) in China, represents the country’s top level expertise, and plays leading roles in diagnosis and treatment of challenging and critical diseases, training of high-level medical staff, implement of high-quality medical research, emergency response to major public health crisis, hospital management, and other relevant areas in the country.

Description of work

Our work in the fields of chronic respiratory diseases includes but not limited to:

1. prevention, diagnosis, treatment, controls, and rehabilitation of the chronic respiratory diseases;
2. conduct multiple medical research on chronic respiratory diseases, including epidemiological, clinical, basic, and translational research
3. improve the capabilities of medical staff and public health workers on management of chronic respiratory diseases, especially in the primary area of China. Our ultimate goals are to reduce the incidence, prevalence, mortality, and burdens of chronic respiratory diseases in China and globally, and to promote the entire population’s lung health and well-being.

Mission

N/A

Description of work

N/A

Mission

The mission of the Chinese Thoracic Society is to advance the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and research of thoracic diseases in China. It aims to promote academic exchanges, improve the professional skills of medical practitioners, enhance public awareness of thoracic health, and contribute to the overall improvement of respiratory care in the country.

Description of work

The Chinese Thoracic Society (CTS) has been instrumental in addressing chronic airway diseases, such as asthma and COPD, in China. Through its guidelines, awareness campaigns, training programmes, and collaborations, the CTS has made significant strides in improving the prevention, diagnosis, and management of chronic airway diseases. Moving forward, the CTS's continued efforts will help alleviate the burden of chronic airway diseases and enhance the overall respiratory health of the Chinese population.

Mission

Clean Air Fund’s mission is to create a world where everyone breathes clean air.

The Clean Air Fund is a global philanthropic organization that works with governments, campaigners, researchers, funders and businesses to create a world where everyone breathes clean air.

Description of work

The Clean Air Fund is a global philanthropic initiative that works with governments, campaigners, researchers, funders and businesses to deliver clean air for all as fast as possible.

Air pollution is one of the biggest threats to public health, our climate and the environment globally, causing 7 million premature deaths per year. Most of the world’s population lives in places that exceed the WHO’s air quality guideline limits. Air pollutants penetrate and impact every organ in our body, with the lungs being severely affected; people who breathe polluted air have a greater risk of developing respiratory diseases, such as lung cancer, COPD, lower respiratory tract infections, and asthma.

Poor air quality impacts every stage of life, from affecting the development of vital organs in unborn babies to cognitive decline in older age. At Clean Air Fund, we fund and partner with organizations around the world that promote data, build public demand for clean air, and drive action to tackle dirty air and improve public health. We do by this helping to generate the evidence to demonstrate the health impacts of air pollution, supporting health care workers to be advocates for their patients, holding decision-makers to account, and calling for more investment in clean air. Better air quality.

Mission

Community and Family Aid Foundation, Ghana exists to create possibilities to improve lives, where our development interventions will leave an indelible mark on people, communities, and underserved populations to fashion a world, where all will be happy and useful, respectively living for others to reflect an equal, participatory economy releasing that a person is a person through other persons as a lasting legacy for generations to come for replication.

Description of work

1. Advocacy and policy reforms – provide a solid platform for meeting the needs and policy change in support of patient care and welfare.
2. Education and awareness – training and managing a pool of volunteers as an integral part of community health assistance to patients.
3. Health faculty support – Working hand in hand with core health care facilities to understand the needs of patience, policies, change, and championing the concerns of all with the stakeholders.
4. Action to action – building stronger partnerships with like-minded organizations to bolster service delivery and care for patients.
5. Research and improve health care – offering regular research into relevant needs of patients, and trends and fostering continuous engagement to address emerging issues.
6. Development of long-term care plans – uses available data to institute formal advocacy interventions and draw a wider citizen’s government engagement in addressing concerns of all.
7. Community engagement – wider community participation for change matters thus, leverage our presence in communities and volunteers to support families, and patients as part of universal health coverage intervention, etc.

Mission

The mission of the Epidemiological Laboratory (Epi-Lab) is to bridge the gap between academia and public health services; through building the research capacity of young researchers, generating and delivering scientific evidence, documenting and distribute lessons learned; developing pilot projects, providing technical assistance build partnerships and networking to roll out its innovative ideas.

Description of work

Epi-Lab was established in 2005 as a public health services research centre, situated in a nongovernmental, non-profit organization based in Khartoum, Sudan. The development of Epi-Lab is an example of maximizing opportunities and developing a creative approach to addressing challenges and obstacles in a resource-limited environment. The idea was formulated as part of the doctoral thesis of the then-director of the Sudan National Tuberculosis Programme (Asma I. Elsony) 1996–2004.

The centre was established on 2 cornerstones:

• the expansion of the rich data base of that thesis has continued without interruption; and,
• the team experience gained in establishing, expanding and declaring DOTS All Over in 2002 and which is currently being used to launch other successful lung/public health programmes.

Mission

Our vision as the Faculty of Medicine is: to be an institution of excellence in the training of doctors and other health professionals and the related areas and a reference in research and extension, contributing to the health and well-being of individuals and the community of Mozambique, Africa and the world in general.

Our mission is:

To be an institution that contributes to the promotion of individual and community health in Mozambique, Africa and the World in general, using current techniques and strategies, through:

1. Training of physicians and other health professionals in related areas.
2. Developing innovative research and supporting the transformation of research evidence into policy and practice.
3. Providing services with ethical and professional competence of excellence to local communities in the country, in Africa and in the world.

Description of work

The Faculty of Medicine has in its group of teachers and researchers, doctors who work in most common chronic respiratory diseases such as asthma, bronchitis, bronchiectasis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) at the Maputo Central Hospital. In paediatric and adult wards, our doctors have been working to identify, treat and follow up patients with these diseases. On the other hand, we are investigating asthma associated with fungal diseases such as pneumocystis, aspergillus fumigatus, and histoplasma capsulatum in HIV patients and non-HIV patients in adults. In children, in addition to detecting and treating patients with asthma, and bronchitis, we are carrying out clinical trials to see the impact of oral administration of amoxicillin or co-amoxiclav and the duration of antibiotic therapy on the efficacy, safety, and selection of antibiotic resistance in severe childhood pneumonia acquired in the community. On the other hand, we also carry out campaigns at the hospital level to raise awareness among health care professionals and patients about the consequences of chronic obstructive diseases.

Mission

We support the reduction of risk factors for all respiratory diseases at national and international levels with the idea of health in all policies. We support and educate health care professionals in respiratory diseases. Our target is to educate and perform implementation and research projects of various levels.

Description of work

Educational events for health care professionals, several projects for the lay public (specific risk groups of respiratory diseases), and research projects in various respiratory diseases; all in Finland and abroad.

Mission

The mission of the Forum of International Respiratory Societies (FIRS) is to promote respiratory health worldwide. It does this in a complementary way to its own organizations through advocacy and by working with the World Health Organization (WHO) and other global organizations representing the respiratory community.

FIRS is concerned with all factors relating to lung health but particularly those affecting the most people globally and ones that can provide the greatest improvement to respiratory health. It endorses the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals, the functions and activity of the WHO, and many other organizations working to improve lung health.

FIRS' major activity is global advocacy especially in preventing diseases cause by tobacco products and air pollution. A major goal is to alert the world to the importance of lung health and the global impact of respiratory disease

Description of work

FIRS was established in 2001 by the international professional respiratory societies, the American College of Chest Physicians (CHEST), American Thoracic Society (ATS), Asian Pacific Society of Respirology (APSR), Asociación Latino Americana De Tórax (ALAT), European Respiratory Society (ERS), International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases (The Union), and Pan African Thoracic Society (PATS). The Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA), and the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) joined in 2017. In total FIRS’ organizations have about 100 000 professional members working in the broad field of respiratory health. These specialists advise and set standards for other specialists and primary care health providers who manage patients with respiratory illnesses around the world, thus magnifying the effects of the societies.

FIRS' professional organizations develop guidelines to help their members practice and position papers to promote lung health policies. Leading experts of the societies present compelling scientific evidence and health perspectives to support these guidelines and positions. The reputation of the societies often carries a weighty influence on the practice of medicine. Each society holds a large annual meeting and, in aggregate, more than 100 regional and specialized meetings annually.

Most new research in the field is presented at these conferences. More than 50 000 people attend these meetings yearly. The societies publish 17 journals that bring out more than 2000 articles per year. The articles present the latest research and are rigorously peer-reviewed to present a trustworthy global resource. The journals raise awareness of new findings and alert the public to lung health concerns. FIRS' societies have a presence in essentially every country in the world, and their social media extends broadly to the public as well as the respiratory community. Read our constitution here.

Mission

To coordinate the activities of scientific societies and patients' organizations involved in the fight against chronic respiratory diseases in Italy, sharing the mission and the vision of the GARD International. GARD–Italy is coordinated by the Director of Office 8 – Promotion of health and prevention and control of chronic diseases, within the General Direction of Health Prevention, Italian Ministry of Health (MoH). It is an alliance of MoH with scientific societies in the fields of respiratory medicine, allergology, paediatrics, internal medicine, environmental medicine, allied health sciences, along with patients' organizations in the fields of asthma, COPD, respiratory rare diseases.

Description of work

In June 2009, according to the indications of the international GARD, which provides for each signatory country the possibility of creating alliances at a national level, GARD–Italy (GARD–I) was established. GARD–I is a voluntary national alliance involving the main stakeholders of respiratory diseases, such as scientific societies, patient associations, universities, aimed at developing and applying a global strategy to combat respiratory diseases.

GARD–I subscribers share the common goal of improving respiratory health through an integrated and shared approach. In accordance with the provisions of the international GARD, the general health objective that the national GARD must pursue is to reduce the incidence, morbidity and mortality of respiratory diseases in the long term through a multidisciplinary and integrated approach.

The mission and intentions of GARD–I are indicated in the strategy document, drawn up by the Ministry of Health in collaboration with scientific societies, federations and patient associations operating in the pneumological field. Each subscriber of GARD–I Italia accepts the strategy document without reservations and shares the aims of the Alliance. The document examines the country's epidemiological situation, highlights the critical issues present and identifies the main points to be developed.

The specific objectives are represented by: alliance building; advocacy; implementation of policies for health promotion and prevention of respiratory diseases (intervention on the population); implementation of strategies for the management of chronic respiratory diseases (individual intervention) implementation of cross-sectoral policies. Therefore, the actions to be undertaken, the strategies and tools to be used are identified and discussed from time to time by GARD–I, always on the basis of the guidelines defined by the National Prevention Plan or other health planning acts.

GARD–I has its own internal regulation, is divided into a General Assembly and an Executive Committee and also operates through working groups. Publications (paper, video or electronic) on GARD–I activities, including those written by members or experts, must receive authorization from the Ministry of Health before being disseminated. The Ministry is also entrusted with the role of technical leadership and secretariat of the Alliance. GARD–I represents a concrete opportunity to develop a global strategy for the prevention and assistance of chronic respiratory diseases adapted to the Italian context.

Mission

Prevent and control chronic respiratory diseases (main focus, asthma and COPD).

Reduce mortality and morbidity from chronic respiratory diseases.

Reduce the social and economic burden of these diseases.

Description of work

The Turkish Chronic Respiratory Diseases Prevention and Control Program and Action Plan which ran from 2009 to 2013 was the first of this nature involving the Ministry of Health and a nongovernmental organization (the TTS) in joint management of a major national programme.

The goals of the project are in line with the GARD action plan to prevent and control chronic respiratory diseases, to reduce mortality and morbidity from chronic respiratory diseases, and also to reduce the social and economic burden of these diseases.

Since 2009 the Program has been conducted successfully with many achievements. The latest updated action plan is for 2024–2030, it will be published soon in Turkish.

GARD–Türkiye has 5 working groups and 81 city councils.

Working groups are:

C1. Monitoring the chronic diseases and the control program evaluation

C.2. Awareness and advocacy

C.3. Prevention of the development of disease

C.4. Early detection of diseases and prevention of progress

C.5. Effective treatment of the diseases and prevention of complication development

Our working groups published a number of reports regarding their studies. The educational materials and videos prepared by our working groups can be seen on our website. Our city councils in 81 cities have been performing regional activities by the local representatives of 68 partners especially on World Asthma and COPD days and pulmonary rehabilitation weeks.

Mission

Development and promotion of respiratory medicine in Georgia.

Description of work

1. Promote basic, epidemiological and clinical research in respiratory medicine.
2. Works to increase the profile and understanding of respiratory disease, academic respiratory research and specialists in respiratory medicine.
3. Organizes regular congresses, conferences, symposia, seminars, scientific meetings, exhibitions and all other clinical and scientific events.
4. Develops and maintains high standards of continuing medical education for medical specialists.
5. Produce scientific publications by the editing, printing, and publishing of reviews, journals, bulletins to promote, encourage or disseminate research or educational work in the field of respiratory medicine.
6. Produces guidelines on the treatment and management of respiratory diseases.
7. Collaborate with other national and international organizations having a similar objective or similar functions.

Mission

To globally support and empower patients with allergies, airways and atopic diseases by protecting their rights and insisting on the duties of governments, health care professionals and the general public.

Description of work

GAAPP works with health care and governmental organizations – such as WHO, EAACI, ERS, GINA, GOLD, WHO GARD, and IPCRG – to improve patients' lifestyles and reduce the impact of these diseases. Serving as an equal partner, we can make dynamic, beneficial changes to health and social policy and global decision-making while exchanging information and best practices with our member organizations. We also strive to improve the quality of diagnosis and therapy within the field.

As a global platform, GAAPP aims to serve as an intermediary among patient organizations, enabling the amplification of local voices and encouraging communication across the globe. We also strive to demand global standards – including an increase in air quality by reducing pollution – that will ultimately empower patients and their communities and improve their lifestyles.

We also support the establishment of patient organizations in low and middle-income countries, helping improve allergy, airways, and atopic disease care and support worldwide. GAAPP members benefit from first-hand knowledge and our support for local adaption and implementation of global quality standards.

We also conduct annual global events like the scientific meeting, the Global Food Allergies Summit, and the Global Respiratory Summit granting to our members access to worldwide initiatives and shared decision-making, as well as global events and the highest quality of support. This helps our member organizations enable your local patients and their health care professionals to thrive.

Mission

We work with health care professionals, patient representatives, and public health officials around the world to reduce asthma prevalence, morbidity, and mortality.

It is important to understand that while GINA strives to be a globally relevant voice, recommendations for asthma care need to be adapted to local conditions, resources, and services. Talk with your health care provider about what is right for you.

Through resources such as evidence-based strategy documents for asthma management, and events such as the annual celebration of World Asthma Day, GINA is working to improve the lives of people with asthma in every corner of the globe.

Description of work

GINA was launched in 1993 in collaboration with the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, USA, and the World Health Organization. GINA's programme is determined and its strategies for asthma care are shaped by committees made up of leading asthma experts and patient representatives from around the world.

GINA's objectives, to:

• increase awareness of asthma and its public health consequences;
• promote identification of reasons for the increased prevalence of asthma;
• promote study of the association between asthma and the environment;
• reduce asthma morbidity and mortality;
• improve management of asthma;
• improve availability and accessibility of effective asthma therapy.

Mission

GOLD works with health care professionals and public health officials around the world to raise awareness of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and to improve prevention and treatment of this lung disease.

Through the development of evidence-based strategy documents for COPD management and events such as the annual celebration of World COPD Day, GOLD is working to improve the lives of people with COPD in every corner of the globe.

Description of work

• Recommend effective COPD management and prevention strategies for use in all countries.
• Increase awareness of the medical community, public health officials and the general public that COPD is a public health problem.
• Decrease morbidity and mortality from COPD through implementation and evaluation of effective programmes for diagnosis and management.
• Promote study into reasons for increasing prevalence of COPD including relationship with environment.
• Implement effective programmes to prevent COPD.

Mission

IHMT was initially dedicated to the study, teaching and clinic of tropical diseases. This action has evolved into an integrated approach, ranging from the molecular level to global health systems, with a strong commitment to solving health problems that affect the poorest and most excluded, on all continents.

Description of work

IHMT develops activities in the following areas of intervention:

Education and training

Teaching in tropical health was the original mission of the IHMT, even before the creation of the School of Tropical Medicine, in 1902. Academic training is centred on doctoral and master's programs with unique specificities in Portugal and in the Portuguese-speaking world: in biomedical sciences (including medical parasitology and microbiology), in tropical medicine (tropical clinics and pathology), and in public health (international health, health and development, health and development policy, and tropical public health). We teach what we research and are increasingly oriented to expand our pedagogical offer through non-degree courses, development support courses and short technical refresher courses. We are strongly committed to offering non-face-to-face training.

Investigation

IHMT's research policy is embodied in the Global Health and Tropical Medicine (GHTM) research and development center – classified as “excellent” by the Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia. The activity of the GHTM is based on 2 transversal lines of investigation:

1. health challenges of travellers and migrants;
2. emerging diseases and environmental and climate changes.

These lines bring together the following three research groups: diseases transmitted by vectors; tuberculosis, HIV and other opportunistic agents; health of populations, policies and services.

Health observation

Health is part of a context of permanent change. Through the systematic observation of this context, the determinants of health, the occurrence of diseases and illnesses and their vectors and hosts, IHMT continuously monitors and evaluates the state of health, in order to help identify the most appropriate interventions for the situations detected.

Development support

Health development depends on robust organizations that gradually develop local capacity to plan, execute, monitor and evaluate activities conducive to health gains in a spirit of universality, equity, solidarity and national and global citizenship. To this end, IHMT has developed a set of training offers to support development, aimed at training competent and motivated agents, within the national health system of each country, to develop the necessary actions to guarantee universal access to health care, relevant in terms of services provided and safe for those who provide or receive them, contributing to regional, national and institutional health objectives. All these development support courses are offered at the request of the health authorities of a country or region, for its leading or technical staff, with no room for registration on a personal basis. Courses are evaluated and training actions are complemented by other technical assistance actions in accordance with identified needs.

Provision of services to the community

IHMT's provision of services makes our skills available to citizens, through traveller consultations, tropical medicine consultations, tropical dermatology consultations, laboratory diagnosis services and methodological support consultations for scientists and academics (epidemiology, biostatistics and qualitative methods). It should be noted that IHMT also has a reference laboratory for the diagnosis of leptospirosis, in accordance with the guidelines of the International Leptospirosis Society (ILS)/WHO, and makes its insectariums and vivarium available to researchers and scientists.

Preservation of historical heritage

With more than 110 years of existence, the IHMT holds a cultural and museological heritage of enormous historical richness. It is our objective to recover and preserve it, in order to give it relevant visibility in the context of museological developments associated with the history of science in Portugal.

Mission

ICRN is a non-profit organization with the ultimate goal of championing the specialty of respiratory nursing worldwide.

Description of work

1. Empowering the nurses delivering respiratory care towards an active role in the health systems.
2. The first benefit of establishing an ICRN is exchanging experiences and knowledge, expanding expertise in respiratory nursing. Through its activities, ICRN will improve and raise the level of care provided by specialized nurses towards patients with respiratory diseases.
3. There are no clear guidelines on what respiratory nurses really need to do and what is their range of competencies, therefore this group aims to produce experts from each organization around the world to make a unique curriculum that will be tailored to the needs of each state.
4. ICRN will serve to link the role and scope of the work of respiratory nurses with the health promotion, prevention of respiratory diseases, strengthen in diagnosis and self-management, increase patient adherence to therapies with the aim to improve symptom control, quality of life and prolong survival.
5. To work with, and support, individuals and organizations across health services and beyond who share our vision and values.
6. To advocate and influence educational standards for respiratory nursing.
7. To support respiratory nursing research.
8. Lobby and influence respiratory health policy in each country involved in the work of ICRN and influence respiratory health policy in EU countries and abroad.
9. To promote excellence in respiratory nursing practice and patient care.

ICRN will work on and implement new projects that would strengthen, self-management in respiratory patients. Most respiratory patients are of chronic type and character and require self-management skills and a high level of health literacy.

The ICRN goal is that due to new therapeutic and diagnostic methods, respiratory patients have a significant reduction in the need.

Mission

Our mission is to support global health by enabling the advancement of pharmaceutical practice, sciences and education.

Description of work

Representing pharmacists, pharmaceutical scientists and pharmaceutical educators

The International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) is the global body for pharmacy, pharmaceutical sciences and pharmaceutical education. Through our 156 national organizations, academic institutional members and individual members, we represent over four million pharmacists, pharmaceutical scientists and pharmaceutical educators around the world.

Supporting the pharmacy profession

Founded in 1912, FIP is a non-governmental organization with its head office in the Netherlands. Through our partnerships and extensive pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences network, we work to support the development of the pharmacy profession, through practice and emerging scientific innovations, and through developing the pharmacy workforce in order to meet the world’s health care needs and expectations.

Leader of pharmacy at a global level

Molecules become medicines when pharmaceutical expertise is added. In turn, pharmacists – through ensuring responsible use – optimize the effects of these medicines. FIP is recognized as the leader of pharmacy at a global level. We continue to expand our presence, within pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences, and influence through partnerships with some of the world’s leading health, policymaking, education and science institutions.

NCDs work

One of the FIP priority programmes is the Non-Communicable Diseases programme. The FIP Practice Transformation Programme on Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) aims to provide tools and strategic support to FIP member organizations to develop and implement pharmacy services that can have a sustained positive impact in the prevention, screening, management, and treatment optimization of NCDs, for improved patient outcomes and health systems efficiency and sustainability. The programme includes the development of practice–support handbooks, knowledge and skills guides, implementation guidelines and support, and training for competence development in each of the five main NCD areas (diabetes, mental health, chronic respiratory diseases, cardiovascular diseases and cancer) and risk factors (such as tobacco use). FIP has been working in the field of chronic respiratory diseases, including the launch of the publications "Chronic respiratory diseases: A handbook for pharmacists (2022)" and the "Knowledge and skills reference guide for professional development in chronic respiratory diseases: A companion to the FIP chronic respiratory diseases handbook for pharmacists. (2022)", and various digital events. FIP also has done work regarding the impact of air pollution on health and in the area of tobacco cessation. For more information on FIP's work on chronic respiratory diseases, please visit our NCDs microsite.

Mission

To work locally in primary care and collaborate globally to improve respiratory health.

Description of work

IPCRG is a clinically-led charitable company that works locally in primary care and collaborates globally to improve respiratory health. Our vision is that, through universal access to the right care, everyone can breathe and feel well.

We are an alliance of 38 national primary care respiratory organizations, reaching over 155 000 GPs and other primary care professionals around the world. We are also a community of practice, collaborating globally on respiratory research and innovation, and exchanging knowledge about best practice and impact.

We advise the World Health Organization and the World Organization of Family Doctors (WONCA), extend academic learning into communities, develop global collaborative networks, and lead in the promotion of a culture of critical inquiry and public reasoning about the best ways to deliver effective respiratory care.

Mission

The International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease (the Union) strives to end suffering due to tuberculosis and lung diseases, old and new, by advancing better prevention and care. We seek to achieve this by the generation, dissemination and implementation of knowledge into policy and practice. We aim to ensure that no-one is left behind, people are treated equally and we have a focus on vulnerable and marginalized populations and communities.

Description of work

The Union is pursuing each of these strategic objectives in accordance with the mission and values:

• Knowledge generation: innovation, operational, clinical and public health research.
• Knowledge dissemination and exchange, capacity building, and communication globally and in countries.
• Action: intervention and support for populations vulnerable to tuberculosis, lung disease and tobacco.
• Leadership and advocacy: to promote the development and implementation of policies that advance our mission.
• Engagement: with the global health community at large, including governments, donors, multilateral agencies and members, as well as strengthening the voice of affected communities and individuals, and the health care workforce.
• Building a sustainable, resilient Union: one that is fit for purpose in pursuing its mission.

Mission

It aims to pursue the following scientific, cultural and socially useful objectives:

a) encourage and promote basic, epidemiological, clinical, rehabilitation and multidisciplinary research, teaching and assistance for acute and chronic respiratory problems in the pediatric area, also through the establishment of working groups and regional sections;
b) promote the development and standardization of respiratory pathophysiology and respiratory biology methodologies and their clinical application in paediatrics;
c) promote effective scientific, educational, organizational and welfare collaboration with Italian and foreign scientific groups and societies;
d) promote the dissemination of knowledge and teaching in the field of paediatric respiratory medicine (also through congresses, conferences, webinars, meetings and courses), as well as promote initiatives aimed at the prevention of respiratory diseases and the recognition of the medical aspects -psycho-social of the same;
e) promote the recognition of paediatric respiratory diseases at the level of health authorities, in order to encourage the correct organization of healthcare activities within the national territory; f) carry out the editorial activities that the Executive Committee deems appropriate and possible in view of the achievement of the aforementioned objectives;
g) promote every form of scientific cooperation with industry without conditioning the achievement of institutional goals;
h) promote and develop the culture of education with the educational objective of increasing and standardizing knowledge for optimal management of respiratory diseases through documentation services, conferences, public events, solidarity campaigns, training programs, production and dissemination of educational and information material, multimedia programmes, radio and film and television broadcasts and through the use of social channels;
i) promote the training and updating of school staff on the topics of respiratory diseases.

Description of work

The IPRS pursues its institutional objectives through:
a) professional updating and ongoing training activities with annual programs of Continuing Medical Education (ECM) training activities;
b) collaborations with international, national and regional bodies, service agencies, healthcare companies, universities, public research bodies and patient associations, non-profit organizations and other healthcare organizations and institutions to be involved in the treatment and prevention of respiratory diseases;
c) development and validation of guidelines in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and other scientific societies;
d) promotion of activities aimed at the creation of scientific, training and/or organizational programs (task forces), national and international scholarships, clinical studies, targeted scientific research and
relationships with other companies and scientific organizations, interacting and collaborating with similar scientific societies and non-European institutions for the pursuit of association objectives and goals

Mission

1. Surveillance/epidemiology
2. Health promotion and disease prevention
3. Diagnosis and control and drug accessibility
4. Paediatric chronic respiratory diseases (CRDs) and allergic diseases
5. Awareness of CRD and allergic diseases
6. Health professional and public education

Description of work

N/A

Mission

1. providing scientific, methodological, and practical assistance to health authorities and institutions of the republic on diseases of the respiratory system and related disciplines;
2. assistance in the implementation of the achievements of medical science and technology in the field of respiratory diseases and related disciplines into the health care practice of the republic.

Description of work

1. Improving the qualifications and level of knowledge of medical workers in the field of respiratory diseases and related disciplines.
2. Organization and conduct of scientific research on fundamental and applied aspects of respiratory diseases.
3. Development and implementation of programs to combat the most pressing respiratory diseases.
4. Publishing activities; publication of scientific and practical materials (monographs, collections, scientific works, teaching aids, clinical lectures, etc.).
5. Propaganda among the population of the republic of the principles of a healthy lifestyle, primary and secondary prevention of major respiratory diseases.
6. Development of inter-republican and international scientific relations.
7. Participation in international scientific congresses and symposia, joining international organizations.
8. Conducting republican and international scientific and scientific-practical forums (congresses, conferences, congresses, symposiums, etc.).
9. Creation of scientific associations to develop individual problems to protect and strengthen the pulmonary health of residents of the Kyrgyz Republic.
10. Submission of works to competitions of young scientists held within the framework of republican and international conferences, congresses, symposiums, etc.
11. Protection of the interests of members of the association.
12. Cooperation with various medical societies, government agencies of the Kyrgyz Republic and foreign countries.
13. Organization and holding of school seminars, conferences on various aspects of respiratory diseases with the involvement of leading specialists from near and far abroad countries.
14. Attracting financial resources, grants and investments from international organizations.
15. Humanitarian assistance to medical institutions and patients in dire need.
16. Charity.
17. Assistance in the training and retraining of medical personnel in the field of respiratory diseases by organizing cycles of specializations and improvements – holding competitions for the best scientific work, the best professional doctor, etc., with bonuses for the winners, as well as the most distinguished members of the association.
18. Carrying out other activities necessary to achieve socially ¬beneficial goals, for which the association was created.

Mission

Training specialist physicians in pulmonology and attribution of the title of specialty.

Description of work

N/A

Mission

The Commission is currently piloting a study investigating the establishment of a low cost and scalable NCD and socioeconomic data collection tool. This assessment aims to support understanding of the relationship between of the NCDI disease burden, socioeconomic indicators, and care-seeking behaviour patterns among the impoverished in Mozambique.

Description of work

N/A

Mission

OASIS is one of the most promising prototypes for the development of a national asthma monitoring system, providing asthma statistics including incidence, prevalence, mortality and health services use.

Description of work

The OASIS team also combines multiple population databases to study the impact of air pollution and climate on disease progression such as asthma to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. With this research, we aim to identify geographical regions and populations at risk (such as immigrants, lower socioeconomic groups) to target community-based interventions designed to reduce disease morbidity and to improve health outcomes and quality of life.

Mission

Promote education, training, research, advocacy, prevention of disease, optimal care and development of capacity nationally to promote lung health in Africa.

Description of work

• To further develop and maintain the website.
• To establish a database of respiratory health related issues.
• Promote collaboration between organizations and individuals whose aims are to promote lung health.
• Encourage and expand membership of PATS.
• Advocate and make representation for African respiratory health in global forums.
• To develop capacity for research in respiratory health by training in the PATS-MECOR programme.
• Encourage best practices for the prevention and management of respiratory diseases.

Mission

• assembling people who work, or are interested in, experimental and clinical allergology, or related areas;
• representing Polish allergology at home and abroad;
• propagation of knowledge about allergology in society, including, in particular, medical students, physicians, other medical staff and technical personnel;
• participation in the professional development of doctors in the field of allergology;
• cooperation with state administration agencies, professional self-governments, and associations with the aim to ensure an appropriate level of health care in the field of allergology in Poland;
• organization and support of research and studies in experimental and clinical allergology, as well as cooperation in this field with other institutions and associations;
• conducting and supporting various forms of training and educational activities, arranged for the representatives of the medical community and related areas, to extend the knowledge and practical skills in the field of allergology.

Description of work

• initiation of research in the field of epidemiology, etiopathogenesis, diagnostics, prophylactics, treatment, and Pharmacoeconomics of allergic diseases;
• applications to appropriate authorities concerning the organization of programmes for prevention and counteraction against allergic diseases in Poland;
• delegating representatives to the organs appointed according to applicable law;
• organization of public presentations, trainings, courses, lectures, scientific sessions, symposiums, conferences, congresses, and other forms of propagation of knowledge concerning experimental and clinical allergology;
• development of education programmes and professional development of doctors and nurses in the field of allergology;
• active support of various forms of professional development of medical staff, in particular doctors – allergologists;
• cooperation with Polish and foreign research and health care institutions and related societies, interested in the problems of fighting allergic diseases;
• publishing activities according to applicable regulations in this area;
• subsidizing research in experimental and clinical allergology, to the extent allowed by resources at Society’s disposal;
• founding awards and grants for younger members of the Society distinguishing themselves in scientific activity, for doctoral dissertations presented and original papers published;
• awarding the titles of honorary members of the Society, medals “For Merit in the Development of Polish Allergology”, as well as motions for awarding state decorations to those who contributed significantly to the development of Polish allergology;
• establishing thematic sections, working groups, and interest groups for the realization of specific tasks;
• development, propagation, and updating of diagnostic and therapeutic standards in allergology.

Mission

It aims to promote and stimulate the study of allergology and clinical immunology and to disseminate all the theoretical facets and practical consequences of the knowledge accumulated by this scientific discipline.

Description of work

SPAIC’s activities related to chronic respiratory diseases include:

1. Congresses:
   • SPAIC Spring Meeting, March 2022, Figueira da Foz, Portugal: "Difficult to control asthma"
   • SPAIC Annual Meeting, October 2022, Porto, Portugal
2. Online courses (available here)
   • Allergic diseases and sports
   • Severe asthma
   • Inhalation therapeutics and inhalation techniques
   • Management of asthma in real life
   • Allergy – clinical cases
3. Continuing education courses:
   • Asthma and sports (for GPs, immunologists, and pulmonologists)
   • Asthma (for GP)
4. SPAIC Disease Registry:
   • Severe Asthma Registry
5. Research:
   • Multicentre study: asthma and inflammation in clinical practice”
   • Many SPAIC associates collaborate on national and international studies on asthma, the effects of air pollution and aerobiology
6. Media:
   • Regular participation in radio and TV programmes, newspapers and magazines
   • Portuguese Aerobiology Network:
     • SPAIC owns the Portuguese Aerobiology Network and is responsible for analysing the data collected by the different pollen counters distributed throughout the country.

Mission

The ProAR Foundation is the union of health professionals, patients and enthusiasts, which aims to expand access to the diagnosis and treatment of chronic respiratory diseases such as asthma, COPD, lung cancer, cystic fibrosis and tuberculosis.

Description of work

Education

The PROAR Foundation produces content and carries out activities such as forums, workshops, and surveys to empower patients regarding their conditions and train health care professionals. With this, we want to increase the rate of diagnosis and treatment of chronic respiratory diseases.

Public policy debate and execution

The Foundation is committed to acting and catalysing initiatives impacting chronic respiratory disease patients to build a world where everyone can breathe better. Thus, we mediate the relationship between health professionals, industry, organizations, and civil society, focusing on providing public policy development.

Mission

• To organize meetings, conferences of pneumology and update all the information for our members.
• To fight for tobacco control and to organize the strategy for prevention of chronic noncommunicable diseases.
• To organize prevalence study on asthma, COPD, etc.
• To elaborate guideline.
• To keep contact with NGO, professional associations for common actions on multiple comorbidities.
• To maintain connections with Minister of Health and College of Physicians.
• To participate in common actions with international organizations.

Description of work

1. Development of medical assistance in respiratory diseases from an ethical and professional point of view.
2. Promotion of research initiatives for the medical community and the general public.
3. Development and application of programmes and actions aimed at preventing and combatting respiratory diseases.
4. Contribution to the development of the university education in pulmonology, to postgraduate training in pulmonology, to the continuous professional training and development of doctors and nurses in the field of pulmonology.
5. Education of the general public regarding the importance and prevention of respiratory diseases.

Mission

The School of Medicine at Showa University does not engage in a type of education that focuses on rote memorization and a cramming of information. Rather, education that is “free of pressure” and emphasizes the “enhancement of problem-solving ability” is the basic educational policy.

Description of work

1. Provides acute and complex services, emergency services (24/7) and inpatient services.
2. Supports other health care providers at the local level and takes on public health responsibility.
3. Provides a principal setting for education and a base for clinical research.
4. Provides the latest medical publications.

Mission

The Center for Tobacco Control Research aims to support the next generation of tobacco control advocacy leaders, promote science into public health policies and programmes and disseminate reliable and relevant information for Tobacco Control in China.

Description of work

1. To explore culturally relevant methods and tools for tobacco control in China in social behavioural behaviour perspectives, including exploring the behavioural pattern of unassisted smoking cessation.
2. To build advocacy capacity for tobacco control and tobacco dependence treatment among the public health workforce in China, including promoting tobacco control curricula for students in medical schools and for public health faculties in hospitals.
3. To build a platform for all tobacco control (TC) information and technical resource materials and disseminate the information for Tobacco Free Campus in China.

Mission

The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University (National Center for Respiratory Medicine) is committed to advancing respiratory medicine and enhancing public respiratory health in China. It is a leading institution in advancing early diagnosis and early intervention of chronic airway diseases, diagnosing and treating complex and critical illnesses, training elite healthcare professionals, conducting first-rate medical research, and making significant contributions in other related fields nationwide.

Description of work

Our efforts in tackling respiratory diseases are wide-ranging and include:

1. Early prevention, diagnosis, treatment, management, and rehabilitation of acute and chronic respiratory diseases.
2. Conduct extensive medical research on respiratory diseases, including epidemiological, clinical, basic, and translational research.
3. Upgrading the skills of respiratory specialists in medical centres across the country.

Our goal is to reduce the incidence, prevalence, mortality, and overall impact of respiratory diseases in China and globally. In addition, we are committed to promoting the respiratory health and overall well-being of the global population.

Mission

Adhering to its “patient-centred” spirit and advocating its motto of being “rigorous, pragmatic, united and dedicated, Zhongshan hospital endeavors to build itself into an Asian leading and internationally renowned hospital with its rigorous professional style, exquisite medical skills, and strict scientific management.

Description of work

We organized COPD high-risk population screening in 2022 and so far three districts have initiated the survey including Pudong, Put, and Minhang. So far 12 000 patients have been screened and 30% have been diagnosed with COPD and they were enrolled in a cohort study for long-term follow-up.

We also held a national pulmonary rehabilitation conference with online attendees of over 400 000 people. 117 experts gave 84 presentations at the meeting. We also initiated a pulmonary rehabilitation programme in our department to help COPD patients obtain improved lung function. To better manage COPD patients with respiratory failure, we initiated a programme to manage COPD patients using IOT technology. So far 150 patients have completed one year of follow-up and a 30% reduction in acute exacerbation has been identified through this study.