Paving the Way to Prevent Chronic Respiratory Diseases

Nearly half a billion people worldwide live with a chronic respiratory disease. Every year, over 3.5 million lives are lost to COPD and asthma combined. These are not rare conditions. They're preventable and treatable. And yet, for decades, they have been overlooked, underfunded, and underestimated. As we enter 2026, the global respiratory health community stands at a crossroads.

The September 2025 UN High-Level Meeting on NCDs delivered a powerful political declaration. Chronic respiratory diseases--including asthma and COPD--were recognized as a priority alongside cardiovascular disease, cancer, and diabetes. But recognition alone does not save lives. Implementation does. And the gap between global policy and the patient in the clinic remains vast.

To discuss how we bridge that gap, EUFOREA invites Mr. José Luís Castro, who is ⁨the WHO (World Health Organization) Director-General's Special Envoy for Chronic Respiratory Diseases and a leader who has dedicated his career to respiratory health on a global scale.