Global Patient Organizations Applaud Historic Passage of Integrated Lung Health Resolution at World Health Assembly 78
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GENEVA - Washingtoner -- Global lung health and patient advocacy organizations are celebrating a landmark achievement today as Member States at the 78th World Health Assembly (WHA78) adopted a long-anticipated resolution on improving lung health. The resolution, endorsed by countries from all regions, marks the first comprehensive commitment by the World Health Organization (WHO) to address the full spectrum of lung diseases — from asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) to lung cancer & rare lung conditions, and includes the impacts of air pollution, climate change & tobacco industry.

The Global Allergy & Airways Patient Platform, representing millions of patients, caregivers, and civil society leaders worldwide, hails the resolution as a critical step forward in the fight to reduce the global burden of respiratory diseases, which account for nearly one in five deaths worldwide.

"This is a monumental moment for people living with lung conditions," said Tonya Winders, President & CEO. "For too long, lung health has been under-recognized & under-prioritized in global health policy. This resolution validates what patients have known for years: that healthy lungs are essential to healthy lives, and governments must act now to protect them."

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The resolution commits countries to develop national lung health strategies, strengthen primary care systems, expand access to affordable diagnostics and treatments, and invest in prevention — particularly through clean air policies, tobacco control, and equitable access to vaccines.

Patient advocates from around the world played a pivotal role in shaping and supporting the resolution. Their stories, lived experiences, and persistence helped bring lung health to the forefront of the global health agenda.

"We stand in solidarity with all those who contributed to this achievement — from grassroots advocates to ministries of health," said Shane Fitch, a patient advocate from Spain. " This resolution gives us hope, but now we must turn promises into action. Lives depend on it," said Susanna Palkonnen, leader of the European Federation of Allergies & Airways.

We call on all Member States to urgently translate the resolution into concrete policies and funding commitments, and urges the WHO to provide technical support and accountability mechanisms to track progress Member states can count on the continuing role of patient advocacy and civic organizations to contribute to transform the narrative for lung health for global citizens and vulnerable communities.

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About the Global Allergy & Airways Patient Platform
A network of over 175 patient organizations, public health NGOs, clinicians, and researchers united to advance policies that prioritize lung health worldwide. We work to ensure that every person — regardless of where they live — can breathe freely and live a healthy life. https://Www.GAAPP.org