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The Global Asthma Network strives for a world where no-one suffers from asthma
The Global Asthma Network is the asthma surveillance hub for the world
The Global Asthma Network researches ways of reducing the burden of asthma
The Global Asthma Network promotes access to appropriate asthma management
The Global Asthma Network stimulates and encourages capacity building in LMICs
The Global Asthma Network strives to ensure access to quality-assured essential asthma medications
The Global Asthma Network raises the profile of asthma as a major NCD
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News Archive
World Asthma Day 2021 - Uncovering Asthma Misconceptions
This year's World Asthma Day theme is "Uncovering Asthma Misconceptions". The theme provides a call to action to address common widely held myths and misconceptions concerning asthma that prevent persons with asthma from enjoying optimal benefit from the major advances in the management of this condition. Common misconceptions surrounding asthma include:
- Asthma is a childhood disease; individuals will grow out of it as they age.
- Asthma is infectious.
- Asthma sufferers should not exercise.
- Asthma is only controllable with high dose steroids.
Latest Lung Health Paper published in The Lancet
Jamilah Meghji with other authors including some GAN Steering Group members have published a new paper on Lung Health in LMICs.
Meghji J, Mortimer K, Agusti A, Allwood BW, Asher I, Bateman ED, Bissell K, Bolton CE, Bush A, Celli B, Chiang C-Y, Cruz AA, Dinh-Xuan A-T, El Sony A, Fong KM, Fujiwara PI, Gaga M, Garcia-Marcos L, Halpin DMG, Hurst JR, Jayasooriya S, Kumar A, Lopez-Varela MV, Masekela R, Mbatchou Ngahane BH, Montes de Oca M, Pearce N, Reddel HK, Salvi S, Singh SJ, Varghese C, Vogelmeier CF, Walker P, Zar HJ, Marks GB. Improving lung health in low-income and middle-income countries: from challenges to solutions. The Lancet. 2021; in press. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(21)00458-X
First GAN Surveillance paper published
The first paper from the GAN Phase I surveillance has now been published. The paper describes the response rates and geological coverage of the surveillance.
P Ellwood , E Ellwood, C Rutter, V Perez-Fernandez, E Morales, L García-Marcos, N Pearce, MI Asher, D Strachan and the GAN Phase I Study Group. Global Asthma Network Phase I Surveillance: Geographical Coverage and Response Rates. J. Clin. Med. 2020, 9(11), 3688; doi:10.3390/jcm9113688.
Global Asthma Management Guidelines
The Global Asthma Network has updated known Asthma Management Guidelines used around the world, through its most recent survey conducted in 2019/20. Previous Asthma Guidelines Surveys were conducted in 2011 and 2014, to ascertain the coverage of Asthma Management Guidelines throughout the world. The guidelines that were identified in these surveys are now available for download on our Management Guidelines page.
The Inaugural UN International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies
The 7th of September marked the inaugural UN International Day of Clean Air for blue skies, a day to call upon governments, corporations, civil society and individuals to take action to reduce air pollution to protect human health.
The theme of the first International Day of Clean Air for blue skies is "Clean Air for All" and it invites us all to consider how we can change our everyday lives to reduce the amount of air pollution we produce. To see what health workers and advocates are doing around the world to reduce air pollution within the World Organization of Family Doctors(WONCA) air health TtT program: Click Here
Also, coupled with the Global week of action on NCDs(7-13th), in collaboration with the Ministry of Heath in Cameroon within the WONCA Air Health TtT program, training with clinics and health centers has been launched on the need to advise their patients related to mitigation actions to reduce effects of air pollution on their health.
Union statement on World Health Organization funding
Professor Guy Marks, president of the International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease and Global Asthma Steering Group member, has been quoted in the AFP urging USA President Donald Trump to reverse his "reckless decision". He said withdrawing funding would have consequences far beyond COVID-19 that could prove "catastrophic for WHO's other disease control programmes around the world". read more
Call to make preventive drugs more accessible for childhood diseases in LMICs
Hollywood film and television actress Claire Forlani, ambassador for The Union, has made a clarion call for local interventions using simple tools for active screening and diagnosis to end the epidemic of TB, pnuemonia and asthma among children in LMIC's. read more
COVID-19, asthma and other chronic respiratory diseases
Latest COVID-19 Information
The World Health Organization’s Global Alliance Against Chronic Respiratory Diseases has created this information site https://gard-breathefreely.org/covid19/ which is kept up to date.
What People With Asthma Need to Know
The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America has created a comprehensive page of coronavirus information for asthma patients which can be found here
GINA COVID-19 FAQs
The Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) has created a page of frequently asked questions regarding asthma management and COVID-19 which can be found here.
World Asthma Day 2020 - Asthma and COVID-19
On this World Asthma Day everyone and everything we do is affected by the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Although this pandemic is a threat to us all, this threat is mitigated by global cooperation. The early and ongoing leadership by the World Health Organization has been a very important contributor. Actions within nations have been variable, and there are many examples of excellent leadership with unexpectedly good outcomes. The timing and extent of national actions has been a critical factor in controlling the disease.
GAN Visit to Jaipur 21-24 October 2019
Asthma Bhawan http://asthmabhawan.com/
We were privileged to visit the Asthma Bhawan – the Best Asthma Hospital in India and is located in Jaipur. Under the able leadership of Dr.Virendra Singh “Specialist of Allergy and Asthma”. Asthma Bhawan is providing world-class asthma treatment and care in Jaipur to respiratory patients. Asthma Bhawan was founded in 2007 by Indian Asthma Care Society. Their integrated method to patient care delivers state-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment services and opportunities to try new medications and therapies through clinical trials. They aim to eliminate asthma agony from the lives of people.
Rajasthan Hospital https://rajasthanhospital.in/
Patient education seminar
Innes and Philippa participated in a patient education seminar led by Dr Virendra Singh at the new Rajasthan Hospital. Patients were able to ask questions and have them answered.
In photo below: (left to right): Dr Sheenu Singh, Dr Virendra Singh, Innes Asher, Dr Nishtha Singh, Philippa Ellwood
General practitioners meeting
Innes Asher also spoke at doctors meeting on “Unveiling Global Asthma in children: ISAAC and GAN”. Other speakers were Dr Virendra Singh and Dr Sheenu Singh. The meeting was well-attended, with more than 100 doctors. A copy of Innes’s slides can be found here slides
GAN at The Union’s World Conference on Lung Health
Hyderabad 28 Oct-1 November 2019
The World Conference on Lung Health was attended by GAN Steering Group members Innes Asher, Karen Bissell, Asma El Sony, Chiang Chen-Yuan, Guy Marks and Kevin Mortimer.
They made the following contributions to the programme:
Innes Asher: Lecture “Calling time on disability and deaths in children”
See live streamed video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qpZ-ltlfvjI
Conference news https://hyderabad.worldlunghealth.org/2019/11/a-breathless-child-session-highlights-urgent-need-for-equal-access-to-healthcare-for-children-with-asthma-and-pneumonia/?utm_source=The+Union+Marketing&utm_campaign=f5f119931f-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_hyderabad_reg_open_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_e2dbdf856e-f5f119931f-248909989
Karen Bissell
Co-Chair: Asthma Management working group
Asma El Sony:
Chair: Fighting to breathe: living with asthma, COPD and chronic respiratory diseases, and how to end the silence
Speaker: Asthma in African Adults: the Sudan perspective
Speaker: Be He@lthy, Be Mobile WHO initiative for CRDs: experiences and challenges – the way forward
Chiang Chen-Yuan
Speaker: Association between exposure to tobacco smoke and tuberculosis
Speaker: Improving asthma care: the opportunities offered by combined corticosteroid/rapid onset bronchodilator inhalers used as required
Guy Marks President
Speaker : Drivers of the major causes of lung disease around the world
Kevin Mortimer Director of Lung Health
Chair: Plenary Deadly Air
Chair: Asthma: an emerging threat to health across the life course
Speaker: Global state of COPD and asthma: the need for a holistic approach
Kosovo World Asthma Day 2019
7 May 2019
Seventh International Conference "World Asthma Day", Prishtina 2019
The VII International Conference WAD-Prishtina 2019, was held on 07.05.2019 in Pristina, Kosovo.
This conference was organized by KIAAA (Kosovo Immunology Asthma and Allergy Association), in cooperation with the Pristina University "Hasan Prishtina", as well as the Municipality of Prishtina.
This conference was held to mark the World Immunological Day (April 29), the World Week of Allergic Diseases (7-13 April) and the World Day of Asthma (7 May, 2019).
The opening ceremony was made by the Rector of the University of Pristina Prof Marian Demaj. KIAAA Chair Prof. Luljeta Ahmetaj, presented the international and national activities of KIAAA in 2017-2018 and presented the preliminary results of the GAN Phase I (Prevalence of Asthma, Rhinoconjuctivitis, Eczema) in six centers of Kosovo (Prishtina, Peja, Prizren , Gjakova, Ferizaj, Gjilan) .The first time in the history of our coutriy were recorded the epidemiological parameters of these diseases. In this case, Kosovo will be ranked with 135 countries around the world represented by 360 centers.
In this conference participated lecturers from regional countries (Turkey, Bulgaria, Romania, Greece, Northern Macedonia, Montenegro).
In this case, I would particularly like to thank you:
- Prof.Deleanu Diana Mihaela-Professor of Immunology(Rumania)
- Prof. Dr. Gunnur Deniz(Turkey) Medical Faculty Istambol
- Prof. Dr. İhsan Gürsel(Turkey) Medical Faculty Istambol
- Prof. Dr. Haluk Barbaros(Turkey) Medical Faculty Istambol
- Andrey Tchorbanov, PhDProfessor Head, Department of Immunology,Institute of Microbiology Stephan Angelov, (Bulgaria)
- Spec Dr.Ibranji Alkerta-Specialist of Alergology and immunology (Albania)
- Spec Dr Brikena Dedo-(Albania)
- Spec Dr.Stefanaki Thalia(Greece)
- Deniza Dizdarevic,Alergo-imunogy,MD MrSci,(Montenegro)
In this case, Kosovo hosted lecturers from six regional states, and served as a connecting bridge between the representatives of IUIS and EAACI. This conference were attended about 250 specialists of Allergology, Pediatrics, Family Medicine, ORL, nurses and students.
With respect:
Prof.Ass.Luljeta Neziri Ahmetaj,MD PhD
Alergoimmunologe
AKIAA-kryetare
GAN-National coordinator
GINA-member of GINA Assambly
WG Aerobiology and Pollution EAACI
World Asthma Day 2019
7 May 2019
Asthma kills as many people as malaria: asthma medicines must reach everyone
World Asthma Day is marked on 7 May, and internationally, medical professionals and researchers are taking the opportunity to draw attention to this too common chronic disease.
Every day about 1,150 people die – largely avoidably - due to asthma (malaria kills about 1,175 people per day). Yet with correct diagnosis and treatment, many deaths from asthma can be prevented.
Essential Medicines at the National Level: The Global Asthma Network’s Essential Asthma Medicines Survey 2014
The latest GAN publication 'Essential Medicines at the National Level: The Global Asthma Network’s Essential Asthma Medicines Survey 2014 ', has just been published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.
Karen Bissell, Philippa Ellwood, Eamon Ellwood, Chen-Yuan Chiang, Guy B. Marks, Asma El Sony, Innes Asher, Nils Billo, Christophe Perrin and the Global Asthma Network Study Group. Essential Medicines at the National Level: The Global Asthma Network’s Essential Asthma Medicines Survey 2014. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2019, 16(4), 605
Read moreCalling time on asthma deaths in tropical regions—how much longer must people wait for essential medicines?
'Calling time on asthma deaths in tropical regions—how much longer must people wait for essential medicines?', written by the GAN Steering Group has just been published in theLancet Respiratory Medicine. Read more
Global Asthma Network signatory to Political Declaration on noncommunicable diseases
The Global Asthma Network is a signatory to the Political Declaration on noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) organised by the NCD Alliance on 27 September 2018 . Read more
Asthma included in WHO’s Global Emergency and Trauma Care Initiative
Asthma has been included in WHO’s Global Emergency and Trauma Care Initiative launched on 8 Dec 2018 in Davos. Read more
Global Asthma Report 2018 presented at UN NCD meeting
The Global Asthma Report 2018 was presented by Professor Innes Asher in New York in the week of the third United Nations High-Level Meeting on NCDs. The presentation was made at the NCD Alliance Civil Society Advocacy BriefingRead more
Global Asthma Report 2018 Launched
The Global Asthma Report 2018, a cutting edge State-of-the-Art report with contributions from 53 experts around the globe, was officially launched at the 12th GARD Annual Meeting in Helsinki on 31 August 2018 and is available from www.globalasthmareport.org. Read more
First GAN Centre publication
Prevalence and severity of asthma, rhinoconjunctivitis and eczema in children from the Bangkok area: The Global Asthma Network (GAN) Phase I
Chinratanapisit S, Suratannon N,Pacharn P, et al. Prevalence and severity of asthma, rhinoconjunctivitis and eczema in children from the Bangkok area: The Global Asthma Network (GAN) Phase I. Asian Pac J Allergy Immunol. 2018 Oct 15 epub ahead of print.
UK research for African lung health partnered with GAN
The Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine has recently received two prestigious grants: MRC Global Challenges Research Fund (GCRF) for Lung Health in Africa across the Life Course led by Dr Kevin Mortimer and National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Global Health Research Unit on Lung Health and Tuberculosis in Africa led by Professor Bertie Squire. They have many partners including GAN. The first meeting of the investigators and partners was held in Blantyre, Malawi from 10 to 14 July 2017 (attended by GAN Chair Innes Asher). At this meeting the planning was started for (i) methodology for the measurement of non-communicable (NCD) respiratory disease exposures and outcomes tailored to the challenges of conducting research in resource-constrained African environments (ii) generation of high quality preliminary data from multiple African sites (iii) a strategic multi-disciplinary partnership of paediatric and adult lung health investigators from Cameroon, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Nigeria, South Africa, Sudan, Tanzania, The Gambia and Uganda, aiming to improve lung health and TB outcomes in Africa. See the photo of some of the African attendees.
Photo left to right: Asma El Sony (Sudan), Refiloe Masekela (South Africa), Irene Ayakaka (Uganda), Hellen Meme (Kenya), Amsalu Bekele (Ethiopia), Adegoke Falade (Nigeria), Bertrand Mbatchou (Cameroon), Emmanuel Addo-Yobo (Ghana), Stellah Mpagama (Tanzania), Hastings Banda (Malawi), Innes Asher (New Zealand)
Global Burden of Disease
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma caused 3.6 million deaths worldwide in 2015
The latest estimates from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study estimate that there were 3.6 million deaths from the two most common chronic respiratory diseases in 2015. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) accounts for most of the deaths (3.2 million), but asthma accounts for a much greater share of the disease burden, particularly in children.
The causes of COPD are well-known, with most cases being due to smoking or outdoor air pollution, as well as indoor air pollution, occupational exposures, ozone and second-hand smoke.
On the other hand, the causes of asthma are still largely unknown, despite the fact that asthma represents a large public health burden, and prevalence is increasing as the world becomes more affluent and westernized.
GAN publication
Global Asthma Network survey suggests more national asthma strategies could reduce burden of asthma
Asher I, Haahtelab T, Selroosc O, et al. Global Asthma Network survey suggests more national asthma strategies could reduce burden of asthma. Allergol Immunopathol (Madr). 2017; 45(2): 105-114. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.aller.2016.10.013.
Global Impact of Respiratory Disease
The second edition of the Global Impact of Respiratory Disease was recently published by the Forum of International Respiratory Societies, with a foreword from Nikolai Khaltaev. This report was launched on 25 May 2017 at a side event during the World Health Assembly and was cosponsored by GARD.
World Asthma Day 2017
2 May 2017
Access to essential medicines key to reducing asthma
Asthma is one of the major noncommunicable diseases, and is an important cause of chronic suffering, disability and preventable deaths in the world. Everyday activities become a huge challenge for the world’s of asthma sufferers, says the Chair of the Global Asthma Network Professor Innes Asher from The University of Auckland.
“Asthma causes disabling symptoms in millions of people who struggle to breathe, making ordinary activities extraordinarily difficult – things like going to school, working at a job, looking after children or ageing parents, running or even walking”, explains Professor Asher. “We know that about 1000 people die from asthma each day – far more than most people realise. The tragedy is that most of these deaths are actually preventable”.
GAN Indian Investigators Meeting, 26 March 2017
On Sunday 26 March 2017 investigators from all 9 of the Indian GAN centres met at Asthma Bhawan, Jaipur.
Prof Innes Asher appointed to WHO Expert Panel on NCDs
We are delighted to announce that Prof Innes Asher has been appointed to the WHO Expert Panel on NCDs, as an expert in chronic respiratory diseases. Prof Asher, who was recently interviewed for World TV (7:48-10:33) said, "I feel very honoured by this appointment, which is a great accolade for the Global Asthma Network".
26th European Respiratory Society International Congress
3-7 September 2016, London
Website: www.erscongress.org/home2016
3rd International Workshop on Lung Health
15-17 January 2016, Monaco
Theme: Asthma and COPD: Converging or diverging chronicity? (COPD 2016)
This workshop will be dedicated to the Asthma and COPD and their impact on lung health. It will be focused on similarities and differences between the two most important chronic pathologies affecting the lungs and on overlap syndrome with new updates and developments in the discipline, including important topics such as guiding the treatment approach, the future of respiratory disease management, managing chronicity and many other important aspects.
Website: www.lung-health.org
GAN publication
The Global Asthma Network Rationale and Methods for Phase I Global Surveillance: Prevalence, Severity, Management and Risk Factors
Ellwood P, Asher MI, Billo NE, et al. The Global Asthma Network rationale and methods for Phase I global surveillance: prevalence, severity, management and risk factors. Eur Respir J, 2017; 49: 1601605. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.aller.2016.10.013.
GAN posters at ERS 2016
Two posters relating to GAN research were presented at the 26th European Respiratory Society International Congress, held 3-7 September 2016 in London:
PA4186: Global Asthma Network identifies gaps in essential asthma medicines
PA4187: Global Asthma Network survey of national asthma strategies Where are the gaps?
Professor Luis Garcia-Marcos at ATS 2016
Professor Luis Garcia-Marcos is currently at the American Thoracic Society (ATS) meeting in San Francisco, California. He is manning a GAN booth in the Global Community section of the Exhibitor Hall (Booth GC7). The ATS runs from May 13 to 18th.
World Asthma Day 2016
3 May 2016
You can control your asthma
Almost 1000 people die from asthma each day – far more than most people realise. The tragedy is that most of these deaths are potentially preventable.
Deaths from asthma are the tip of the iceberg of poor asthma control – asthma is a serious chronic disease, causing widespread disability and suffering at all ages. The effects on people with asthma and their families are bad enough, and the resultant loss of productivity results in huge costs to society; US$56 billion/year in the US alone. Bringing asthma symptoms under control requires solutions at global, national, local, community, family and individual levels.
GAN at the American Thoracic Society meeting 2016
Following the success of the GAN booth at the American Thoracic Society (ATS) in San Diego last year, we are again this year having a GAN booth in the exhibitor’s hall at the ATS 2016 International Conference scheduled for 13-18 May 2016 at the Moscone Center, San Francisco, USA.
Professor Luis García-Marcos, GAN Steering Group member from Murcia, Spain, has kindly offered to be present at the booth to meet any one that is going to the ATS this year and who would like to discuss any GAN related matters. The booth number is GC 7 and located in the Exhibitor Hall in the section named Global Community.
Please note: There will not be anyone at the stand on Sunday 15 May as Professor García-Marcos has to be at his poster presentations on that day.
GAN centre accepted into International Immunological Association
The GAN collaborating centre in Kosovo, Kosovo Association for Immunology-Asthma and Allergy, is now member of the International Union of Immunological Societies (IUIS) and the European Federation of Immunological Societies (EFIS). The votes for the 2015 IUIS New Membership Elections concluded on July 02 2015, and the application was approved by the IUIS General Assembly.
Subsequently, the vote was ratified by the Council during its annual meeting, this year held in Medellín, Colombia on occasion of the Latin American Regional Federation’s triennial congress Immunocolombia 2015.
5th Conference of The Union Asia Pacific Region
Chair of the Global Asthma Network Professor Innes Asher presented on the Global Asthma Network at The Union Asia Pacific Region Conference in Sydney Australia. The conference was also attended by a number of GAN collaborators. The work of the Global Asthma Network was also reported in the media.
GAN Steering Group member speaks at GARD Conference
Steering Group member Professor Luis García-Marcos spoke at the 2015 Global Alliance against Chronic Respiratory Diseases (GARD) General Meeting held in Lisbon, Portugal, on 3-4 July 2015. His presentation on the Global asthma Network was very well received and has generated great interest in the network.
See the GARD website for more information
5th Conference of The Union Asia Pacific Region
31 August-2 September 2015, Sydney, Australia
Theme: Reducing the Burden of TB and Lung Disease by Increasing and Expanding Regional Partnerships
Coordinating Organisation: The Australian Respiratory Council (ARC) - www.thearc.org.au
Venue:
Hilton Sydney Hotel http://www.hiltonsydney.com.au/
Sydney, Australia
Website: www.aprunion2015.com
Email: info@aprunion2015.com
World Asthma Day 2015
5 May 2015
People die of asthma every day - it is time to take control
Tuesday 5 May is World Asthma Day - it is time to take control. Every day, millions of people around the world suffer distressing breathlessness and disability and many people die due to asthma. It stresses hospitals and health systems, families and workplaces, and whole economies. Asthma is a hugely neglected public health and ‘development’ problem in the world. Much of the problem can be solved by concerted global public health action.
Read more | Download pdf | The Union Press Release | NZ Opinion Piece
NCD Alliance Post 2015 Advocacy Toolkit
The NCD Alliance has launched their Advocacy Toolkit on NCDs in Post-2015 Development Agenda. This toolkit equips advocates with the information to navigate the post-2015 processes, articulate the position of NCDs and health in the post-2015 framework and take effective action. more
Health advocates lead call for TPPA transparency
Writing in the 14 February issue of The Lancet, Dr Pat Neuwelt, Senior Lecturer in public health at the University of Auckland Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences joins other health leaders in saying ‘new generation’ trade deals like the TPPA threaten the ability of government to deliver affordable health care, protect public health, and reduce health inequities.read more
Global Asthma Report 2014
The Global Asthma Report 2014 was officially launched at the 45th Union World Conference on Lung Health in Barcelona on 30 October 2014. This report includes strategic and practical recommendations and valuable information for governments, health organisations, health professionals, and people with asthma including: Latest Asthma Research; Maps and data on the global prevalence; Economic burden of asthma; Success stories; Key recommendations.
Download report | View website | Download press release | Download Press Release Presentation | view media articles
Global burden of CRDs Series
The International Journal of Tuberculosis and Lung Diseas has published a series of articles focusing on the Global burden of CRDs. Members of the Global Asthma Network have contributed a number of articles towards this series.
More calls for quality affordable medicines for asthma
International Paediatric Association calls for quality affordable medicines for asthma at the World Health Assembly. read more...
World Asthma Day 2014
6 May 2013
Medicines needed for all people with asthma
Asthma causes disabling symptoms in millions of people who struggle to breathe, making ordinary activities extraordinarily difficult – such as going to school, working at a job, looking after children or aging parents, running or even walking. More than 334 million people in the world suffer from asthma and the number is increasing – asthma is the world’s neglected epidemic.
World Asthma Day Approaches
The Global Asthma Network is counting down to World Asthma Day 6 May 2014. We encourage you to share your activities to support this important day. Let us know at what you're doing at info@globalasthmanetwork.org
GAN Steering Group member speaks at NCD Child Conference
Steering Group member Professor Luis García-Marcos spoke at the 2014 NCD Child Conference held in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago on 20-21 March. This important conference provided an opportunity to establish and strengthen regional partnerships - with a special focus on the Caribbean - to ensure the needs of children, adolescents and youth are a priority focus within the context of NCD action and the post 2015 agenda.
See the conference website for more information
Global Asthma Network Newsletter
The first GAN newsletter is now available for download. Download Newsletter
Latest FIRS report highlights importance of research in respiratory diseases
The Forum of International Respiratory Societies (FIRS) has called for greater research into the origins of asthma and highlighted the lack of availability of medicines in its latest publication: Respiratory diseases in the world. Realities of Today – Opportunities for Tomorrow, an overview of 5 major respiratory diseases: COPD, asthma, acute respiratory infections, TB, and lung cancer. The publication, in partnership with the Union, emphasises prevention, treatment, and global reduction of asthma and other respiratory diseases through the use of current effective tools coupled with greater research and increasing healthcare capacity.
Global burden of asthma among children
This new paper from steering Group Members I Asher and N Pearce published in the International Journal Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease presents a summary of what is known about the global burden of asthma in children. It is also the topic of the issue's editorial.
View article
NCD Child Conference Report
Sir George Alleyne, Chancellor, University of the West Indies, opening NCD Child conference said
“Society tends to block out the images of the wheezing child who is prevented from taking part in the sports the young enjoy because of asthma.”
Read more …
Global Asthma Network reaches 120 countries
Palau was the 120th country to join the Global Asthma Network. The Global Asthma Network now has 280 centres in 120 countries and the number is growing - see the Centres Page for a full list of centres in the Global Asthma Network. We welcome all new centres particularly enquiries from these countries.
Asthma Highlighted in NCD Review Meeting Opening Address
Asthma has been highlighted in the message from UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon in opening address of UN NCD Review meeting 10 July
GAN Chair speaks at NCD Review side meeting
Global Asthma Network Chair Professor Innes Asher spoke at the Forum of International Respiratory Societies (FIRS) side meeting on the 9th of July at the UN NCD Review meeting in New York. This side event explored the integration of chronic respiratory disease, NCDs, and health across all dimensions of sustainable development.
For more information download the brochure or see the links below.
The 2014 NCD Review was called for in the UN Politication Declaration. It was the second time ever NCDs have a standalone political meeting at the UN General Assembly, and provided a critical opportunity to take stock on progress, share successes and lessons learned, challenges and opportunities, and recommendations to guide the NCD response beyond 2014.
Documents and further information pertaining to this meeting can be found on the UN, WHO and NCD Alliance websites.
More calls for quality affordable medicines for asthma
International Paediatric Association calls for quality affordable medicines for asthma at the World Health Assembly. read more...
Global Asthma Network in the Caribbean
The Global Asthma Network has joined forces with the Healthy Caribbean Coalition following the UN NCD Review meeting in New York to increase its presence in the Caribbean read more
Global Asthma Network Chair Professor Innes Asher speaks at 44th Union World Conference on Lung Health
Asthma: the forgotten epidemic?
Professor Innes Asher, Global Asthma Network Chair, spoke at the 44th Union World Conference on Lung Health, on Saturday, 2 November 2013 at 11:30. "Shared air, safe air?" was the theme of the conference, which ran from 30 October through 3 November at the Palais des Congrès in Paris. Prof Asher spoke on "Asthma - The forgotten epidemic".
View the webcast (follow the link to the webcasts then search for "Professor Innes Asher")
UK air quality expert leads off 44th Union World Conference on Lung Health
Prof Ross Anderson, UK air quality expert, led off the 44th Union World Conference on Lung Health, giving the Special Guest Lecture at the Opening Ceremony on Thursday, 31 October 2013 at 17:30. "Shared air, safe air?" was the theme of the conference, which ran from 30 October through 3 November at the Palais des Congrès in Paris. Prof Anderson spoke on "Air Pollution and Asthma".
View the webcast (follow the link to the webcasts then search for "Professor Ross Anderson")
Asthma medicines still unavailable and unaffordable for most in low-income countries - Global Asthma Network calls for action from the global NCD movement
The availability, pricing and affordability of three essential asthma medicines varies greatly according to a new study of 52 low-and middle-income countries.
The study, by researchers at the University of Auckland and the International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease (The Union), was published in the journal PharmacoEconomics. It was led by Dr Zaheer Babar from the University’s School of Pharmacy and Dr Karen Bissell from The Union and the University of Auckland, School of Population Health.
Read more | Auckland University Press Release | View article
Trade agreement threatens access to affordable medicines
Access to affordable medicines is threatened by the proposed Trans Pacific Partnership Agreement, according to the New Zealand-based leader of the Global Asthma Network, Professor Innes Asher.
Read more | Auckland University Press Release | View article
EAACI launches the Global Atlas of Asthma
Asthma is a major public health problem affecting 300 million patients around the world. Many economic and political factors impact the efficiency of asthma prevention. Examples include poverty, poor education and infrastructure, low public health priority and a lack of solid global data on morbidity and mortality from asthma. To tackle this huge global health problem the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (EAACI) has published a “Global Atlas of Asthma”.
This Atlas aims to provide a platform for strategic planning for asthma in a multifaceted way, integrating research, education and global policies. The “Global Atlas of Asthma” has been written by an international group of 80 opinion leaders in asthma including Professor Innes Asher, co-chair of the Global Asthma Network. President of the EAACI, Prof. Cezmi Akdis, states that the “Atlas” will become an essential reference source for multi- sectoral usage, covering all aspects of asthma from epidemiology, mechanisms, risk and protective factors to management, prevention and control.
The Global Atlas of Asthma was launched during the EAACI–WAO World Allergy and Asthma Congress 2013, 22–26 June 2013 in Milan.
EAACI Press Release
12th International Congress on Pediatric Pulmonology
A Keynote lecture from Professor Innes Asher, co-chair of The Global Asthma Network, at The 12th International Congress on Pediatric Pulmonology, highlights global asthma prevention and the role of the Global Asthma network
M.I. Asher. Global perspectives on asthma and allergy: Are there targets for prevention? Paediatric Respiratory Reviews 2013; 14(Suppl 2):S7-8
Landmark Papers in Allergy.
Oxford University Press has published this collection of key discoveries and advances in allergy. It contains one commentary by Prof Innes Asher, Chair of the Global Asthma Network, and includes the ISAAC key paper ‘Worldwide variation in prevalence of symptoms of asthma, allergic rhinoconjunctivitis and atopic eczema: ISAAC’ as one of the chosen landmark papers. View
ISAAC links damp homes and asthma
The latest ISAAC Phase Two paper shows a link between dampness in the home and impaired respiratory health in children and is a further ISAAC paper to attract editorial comment. View Editorial. | View article
Global Asthma Network Presented at World Allergy and Asthma Congress
Professor Innes Asher, Global Asthma Network Chair, was invited by the EAACI and WAO World Allergy and Asthma Congress in Milan June 2013 to speak on “The International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) – where next?” This was an opportunity to introduce the Global Asthma Network to a wider audience. read more
ISAAC Cooking Fuels paper published
This ISAAC Phase Three EQ paper, Cooking fuels and prevalence of asthma: a global analysis of phase three of the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC), has once again attracted editorial comment in its publishing journal, Lancet Respiratory Medicine View Editorial.
Wong GWK, Brunekreef B, Ellwood P, Anderson HR, Asher MI, Crane J, Lai CKW, for the ISAAC Phase Three Study Group. Cooking fuels and prevalence of asthma: a global analysis of phase three of the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC). Lancet Resp Med 2013; Epub ahead of Print View abstract
Sixty-sixth World Health Assembly closes with concern over new global health threat
After seven days of intense discussions, the 66th World Health Assembly (WHA) concluded with agreement on a range of new public health measures and recommendations aimed at securing greater health benefits for all people, everywhere. read more...
Latest OECD Health Report Published
Information from the Global Asthma Report 2011 has been quoted in the latest OECD health report "Health at a Glance: Europe 2012" which highlights asthma and states "a number of EU actions reflect an increased focus on asthma and COPD". The report presents a set of key indicators of health status, determinants of health, health care resources and activities, quality of care, health expenditure and financing in 35 European countries, including the 27 European Union member states, 5 candidate countries and 3 EFTA countries.download the report
World Asthma Day 2013
7 May 2013
Access to medicines is key to reducing suffering from asthma
Asthma causes disabling symptoms in millions of people who struggle to breathe, making ordinary activities extraordinarily difficulty – things like going to school, working at a job, looking after children or aging parents, running or even walking. About 235 million people in the world suffer from asthma and the number is increasing – asthma is a neglected epidemic. But good asthma management can change all this.
The Global Asthma Network - invitation to express interest
There has been already considerable interest in centres wishing to participate in the new Global Asthma Network surveillance (view map).
Investigators who would like to express an interest in participating in a surveillance programme modelled on ISAAC Phase Three are encouraged to complete the online Expression of Interest (EOI) form. Alternatively, you may download the EOI as a word document, scan it and send to Philippa Ellwood (p.ellwood@auckland.ac.nz) or alternatively send it by fax (64 9 3737602).
The Global Asthma Network centres normally will be one centre for each city led by one Principal Investigator. It is anticipated that the majority of surveillance centres will also participate in further modules which will be developed in due course.
We welcome your involvement.
Burden of Asthma Highlighted on International Womens Day
The imortance of Asthma in womens health has been highlighted this year on International Womens Day. Professor Innes Asher, Chair of the Global Asthma Network–says “Millions of women in the world struggle to breathe because of asthma, and this affects their ability to look after their families and to stay in paid work."...read more
Lancet Highlights Neglect of Asthma among other NCDs
The latest Lancet NCD Series 2013 highlights the neglect of asthma among other NCDs(See first sentence, paragraph 2) read article.
First paper published by Global Asthma Network Steering Group
The Lancet Respiratory Medicine has published the first paper from the Global Asthma Network. This paper highlights the issue of asthma as a neglected disease and states why it cannot be ignored in the global NCD agenda. Read Article.
ISAAC Diet paper attracts worldwide attention
The latest ISAAC EQ (Environmental Questionnaire) paper has shown that asthma rhinitis and eczema may be linked to consumption of fast food. The paper has been reported by media agencies around the world such as Al Jazeera (below).
View press release | view article | view media reports
UN agrees resolution on Universal Health Coverage
Taking a remarkable and very positive step forward to address global health, UN Member States unanimously agreed a resolution in December 2012 reiterating the importance of universal health coverage (UHC).
This annual global health and foreign policy resolution affirms the importance of UHC in improving the health and wellbeing of all citizens, particularly the poorest and most vulnerable. It reiterates the links between heath and development, and encourages Member States to advance the strengthening of their national health systems through UHC. The full text of the resolution can be found here, along with the summary of the discussion in the GA.
WHO releases Asthma management guidelines
Prevention and control of noncommunicable diseases: guidelines for primary health care in low resource settings.
These guidelines aim to provide evidence based recommendations on diagnosis and management of type 2 diabetes and management of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in primary health care in low-resource settings.It recommends a set of basic interventions for physicians and health workers.
The main objectives are to reduce avoidable death and morbidity related to these conditions and to improve health outcomes in resource-limited settings where management facilities are limited in terms of availability of diagnostic facilities and medicines.
Global Asthma Report
The Global Asthma Report highlights issues surrounding asthma, and provides an overview of what is known and uncertain about the causes and triggers of the disease, the global prevalence, the implementation of management guidelines, the progress being made and the significant challenges today and for the future.
Download report | View website | Download press release | Download UN Summit Presentation