The lungs are essential organs for life. However, lung diseases (including at least 10 major conditions and many more rare and orphan diseases) cause pain and suffering for millions and are among the leading causes of mortality worldwide. There are many risk factors for respiratory disease, which can start from a very early age, although many are avoidable and their effects treatable.
As a society, over the years, the European Respiratory Society (ERS) has been quick to respond to changing health priorities, and to raise awareness of respiratory medicine in the media and attract the attention of policy makers in Europe. In 2013, the society launched a new edition of The European Lung White Book [1], which draws on the latest data from the World Health Organization and European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, and input from experts from around Europe to present a rigorous examination of the current state of lung health and disease, and an analysis of future trends.
Beyond Europe, the ERS is also a member of the Forum of International Respiratory Societies (FIRS), a partnership of international respiratory societies. Its member organisations also include the American Thoracic Society (ATS), American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP), Asian Pacific Society of Respirology (APSR), Asociacíon Latinoamericana de Tórax (ALAT), Pan African Thoracic Society (PATS) and the International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease (The Union), along with observer participants Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) and Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD).
FIRS was set up in 2001 with the aim of highlighting the importance of respiratory disease for global health and prosperity. November 20, 2013 saw the launch of a collaborative effort of FIRS: a report entitled Respiratory Diseases in the World. Realities of Today – Opportunities for Tomorrow (fig. 1) [2]. In this report, the world's leading lung societies have come together, as one voice, to call for a worldwide effort to improve healthcare policies, systems and care delivery, to make a positive difference to the lung health of the world. While each component society seeks to improve respiratory health in their own continent and/or region, this collaboration is unique in that it harnesses and builds upon these efforts and brings them to a global arena.
FIRS report: Respiratory Diseases in the World. Realities of Today – Opportunities for Tomorrow.
The purpose of the report is to raise awareness among those who advocate for protecting and improving respiratory health. The report is intended as a guide to five respiratory diseases that account for the greatest burden to society in terms of morbidity and premature mortality: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, acute respiratory infections, tuberculosis and lung cancer. It outlines the scope of each disease, methods for prevention, treatment, and long-term control or elimination.
The report ends with 10 key recommendations (table 1), which are considered to be essential actions to reduce the burden of respiratory disease and improve global health. These recommendations are fully in line with ERS advocacy priorities and actions laid out on an annual basis and implemented through a public health presidential plan [3]. To help convey these messages, the ERS has organised annual summits since 2011 to set out the direction for respiratory medicine and research priorities over the long term [4].
In speaking with one voice, the ERS and other international societies will strengthen the weight of our messages to policy makers with regard to today's realities of respiratory health. Moreover, through publication of editorials in the societies' journals, FIRS hopes to reach out to as many respiratory professionals as possible and to ensure these messages are heard and actioned. This is crucial to pave the way and ensure better opportunities for tomorrow.
Footnotes
Conflict of interest: B. Ward and E. Reeves are employees of the European Respiratory Society.
- Received November 19, 2013.
- Accepted November 19, 2013.
- ©ERS 2014
