FIRS was delighted to be involved in the 64th Session of the Commission for Social Development (#CSocD64) in February, where Leith Greenslade from Just Action, presented the latest on our Increasing Access to Inhaled Medicines campaign. Building on the conversation from last month, a report from the event is being presented at today’s Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70), side event at the United Nations in NYC.
We invite partners, policymakers, and advocates to engage with the findings and help turn commitments into concrete action.
The message at the 64th Session of the Commission for Social Development (#CSocD64) was clear: we have the tools to save children’s lives, but they are not reaching those who need them most.
FIRS was proud to contribute, highlighting the urgent need to close the equity gap in access to inhaled medicines for children with asthma.
The reality is stark:
• 100 million children worldwide live with asthma
• 96% of asthma-related deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries
• In some regions, fewer than 1 in 3 health facilities stock essential inhalers
Through our “Five Ps” framework—Policies, Products, Prices, Primary Care, and Patient Advocacy—we are calling for coordinated, multisectoral action to transform access to life-saving inhaled treatments.
As shared during the session, achieving the 80% access target by 2030 will require:
✔ Stronger national policies and inclusion in Essential Medicines Lists
✔ Affordable pricing and sustainable supply chains
✔ Investment in primary care and workforce training
✔ Empowered patient communities and advocacy
This is not just a health issue—it is a matter of equity and social justice.
Now is the time to move from commitments to implementation. Governments, industry, global health partners, and civil society must work together to ensure that no child is left struggling to breathe because of where they live.
“Try holding your breath for 60 seconds. Now imagine watching your child do it because the pharmacy is empty.”
Read the full report here:
https://www.unwomen.org/en/how-we-work/commission-on-the-status-of-women/csw70-2026/side-events
Let’s turn momentum into action.
A big thank you to Leith Greenslade from Just Action and Every Breathe Counts Coalition for her continued hard work and campaigning for the Increasing Access to Inhaled Medicines campaign.
#AsthmaCare #HealthEquity #NCDs #GlobalHealth #AccessToMedicines #EveryChild #CSocD64 #CSW70