The Forum of International Respiratory Societies (FIRS), in partnership with the Global Lung Function Initiative (GLI), has launched the FIRS Lung Health Taskforce to transform the way lung health is assessed worldwide. Backed by all FIRS member societies, this groundbreaking initiative aims to set new global standards in respiratory care.
The initiative is led by a distinguished faculty of world-renowned experts in lung health, bringing together leading authorities in the respiratory field from across the globe.
Lung health is influenced by a complex interplay of biological, environmental and social determinants across the lifespan. Addressing critical gaps in current lung health practices, the Taskforce will focus on improving prevention, early detection and management of lung diseases, with an emphasis on health equity and resource allocation to the regions with the highest disease burden.
Its key objectives are to develop:
• Lung Health Spirometry Toolkit: The Taskforce is developing a standardized, globally applicable set of protocols and data collection tools so that spirometry is measured in the same way in both clinical care and research, particularly in underserved areas.
• Lung Health Index: The Taskforce will explore the development of a comprehensive index to incorporate diverse health determinants aiming to overcome systemic biases and enable more precise, equitable lung health assessments.
• Consensus and Engagement: The Taskforce’s collaborative approach will ensure agreement on best practices, with results disseminated widely.
Professor Gregory Downey, Steering Group Co-chair, said:
“The Lung Health Taskforce brings together the world’s leading experts to transform how we assess lung health. By addressing critical gaps and promoting equitable solutions, we aim to ensure accurate, accessible lung function assessment for all.”
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Media contact: fiona.salter@firsnet.org
About the Forum of International Respiratory Societies
The Forum of International Respiratory Societies (FIRS) is an organisation comprised of the world’s leading international respiratory societies working together to improve lung health globally. The goal of FIRS is to unify and enhance efforts to improve lung health through the combined work of its more than 70,000 members globally.
FIRS comprises the American College of Chest Physicians (CHEST), American Thoracic Society (ATS), the Asian Pacific Society of Respirology (APSR), Asociación Latinoamericana de Tórax (ALAT), European Respiratory Society (ERS), International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease (The Union), Pan African Thoracic Society (PATS), the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) and the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD).
About the Global Lung Function Initiative
The Global Lung Function Initiative (GLI) is a European Respiratory Society (ERS) Clinical Research Collaboration (CRC), bringing together physiologists, respirologists, epidemiologists and statisticians to improve how lung function tests are interpreted.