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A historic decision in global health: respiratory and rare diseases receive WHO recognition

At the 78th World Health Assembly (WHA78), held from 19-27 May in Geneva, WHO Member States approved two key resolutions which represent a major step forward for millions of people living with chronic and rare respiratory diseases.

At the Lovexair Foundation we celebrate this historic decision and renew our commitment to continue working alongside patients, professionals and public officials to transform these resolutions into concrete actions that improve people's lives.

 

 

Two fundamental milestones

👉 Rare diseases are now a priority in global public health.
For the first time, the need is recognized integrate rare diseases into national health plans and ensure equitable access to diagnosis, care, and treatment. This progress represents a crucial step toward the inclusion of millions of people who have been invisible in health systems for years.

👉 The first Comprehensive Resolution on Lung Health is adopted
The WHO has endorsed a comprehensive and integrated approach that encompasses all respiratory diseases, both communicable and non-communicable: asthma, COPD, tuberculosis, pneumonia, influenza, COVID-19, lung cancer, among others.

Furthermore, this resolution focuses on an essential aspect: “Air pollution, both indoors and outdoors, is a significant risk factor for lung disease.” The WHO emphasizes the need for action from multiple sectors to address this problem, especially in developing countries, where the impact is most pronounced.

 

A step forward for respiratory patients

These resolutions would not have been possible without the collective efforts of the patient community, organizations, advocates, and professionals who have worked tirelessly for years to achieve this goal.We stand in solidarity with all those who contributed to this achievement, from grassroots activists to ministries of health., according to Shane Fitch, CEO of the Lovexair Foundation.

From Lovexair, as part of the Global Allergy and Airways Patient Platform (GAAPP) And alongside so many other European and global patient organizations, we have been present on this journey, supporting patients who have shared their stories, raised their voices, and demanded improvements. Today, we celebrate this milestone with hope, but also with the responsibility to ensure that global commitments are translated into real actions in each country.

"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 Allergy and Airway Medicine.

“This is a monumental moment for people living with lung disease," comments Tonya Winders, president and CEO of GAAPP. For too long, lung health has been undervalued and prioritized in global health policies. This resolution confirms what patients have known for years: that healthy lungs are essential for a healthy life, and governments must act now to protect them.

 

Our commitment: to continue working together

At the Lovexair Foundation, we continue to promote projects that help improve respiratory health through a comprehensive and participatory approach. Tools such as CheckAir, campaigns such as Global Campaign, and working with vulnerable communities are part of our concrete contribution to this new international scenario.

Together we breathe better.