In World Asthma Day on May 3, FIRS says stakeholders must collaborate locally and globally to ensure adequate funding and resources are available to implement effective preventative and therapeutic strategies.

FIRS brings together the world’s leading international respiratory societies to work together to improve lung health globally. Members include the European Respiratory Society (ERS), International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease (The Union), the American Thoracic Society (ATS), and the American College of Chest Physicians (CHEST). The goal of the Forum is to unify and enhance efforts to improve lung health through the combined work of its 70,000+ members globally.

According to the Global Asthma Report 2014, up to 334 million people worldwide have asthma. Approximately 4.5% of young adults have been diagnosed with asthma and/or are taking asthma medication. An estimated 14% of children have had asthma symptoms in the past year.

In a statement issued by the ATS, FIRS says leaders in respiratory health must unite globally to invest in community-led solutions to improve quality of life, and reduce morbidity and mortality in asthma. It is calling on countries and organisations to invest and take necessary actions to encourage people-centred prevention, treatment and care to ensure that every person with asthma has access to high-value care.

World Asthma Day is an annual event organised by the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) to improve asthma awareness and care around the world. The theme for this year’s event is ‘You can control your asthma’ and it will be held on May 3.