World leading lung health experts are calling for greater coordinated action to reshape the global response to chronic respiratory diseases (CRDs), while shining a light on recent developments that “trace the outline of a new trajectory”.
It is estimated that over four million people die due to CRDs each year, with many more currently affected: and it is predicted that by 2050, COPD cases will rise to 600 million.
Although the greatest burden of CRDs is in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), studies in high-income countries dominate the research literature. There is therefore a lack of detailed information on the scale of morbidity and mortality due to CRDs in LMICs, with a reliance on extrapolations from studies with relatively modest sample sizes.
In the first issue of IJTLD Chronic Respiratory Disease (IJTLD CRD), José Luis Castro, World Health Organization Director-General's Special Envoy for Chronic Respiratory Diseases, and co-authors, describe the major gaps that persist in the response to CRDs. These include: “limited access to spirometry, essential inhaled medicines, and protection from tobacco smoke and air pollution, especially in resource-limited settings”. The authors highlight that action is needed to “strengthen national strategies, expand care, improve air quality, and advance cross-sector research”.
However, they state that there is room for optimism, as “lung health is rising to the top of global agendas”, with “the World Health Assembly passed its first-ever resolution on lung health; the United Nation (UN) High-Level Meeting wove CRDs into its political framework on noncommunicable diseases; the UN Economic and Social Council gave respiratory health new standing within the development agenda”.
The authors also identify the “launch of IJTLD CRD as a catalyst for change, helping to democratise knowledge, and accelerate the flow of evidence to reshape policy and improve clinical care.”
Hugh Blackbourn, Director of Publications at the International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease (The Union), comments: “Given the Union’s mission to ‘end suffering due to lung diseases’ and to disseminate knowledge on respiratory diseases, the launch of IJTLD CRD is an important and necessary step.
“Our aim is to raise the profile of CRDs, to mobilise civil society and encourage researchers, clinicians and policymakers to provide effective support for the millions who lack appropriate care.”
Launched in February 2026, IJTLD CRD is a home for research focussed on LMICs. The open access journal’s scope spans all chronic conditions and will include articles on post-TB lung disease, COPD, asthma, lung damage due to smoking and air pollution, bronchiectasis, and occupational lung disease. Attention will also be given to pulmonary rehabilitation techniques that have broad therapeutic benefits.
Professor Giovanni Battista Migliori, Editor-in-Chief of the new journal, added: “By presenting these advances in a single specialist journal, with content that is all freely available to read, we hope to be a catalyst for change. We are excited to begin this publishing journey.”
ENDS
Notes to editor
About The Union
Established in 1920 as the world’s first global health organisation, the International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease (The Union) is committed to a healthier world for all, free of tuberculosis and lung disease. Its members, staff, and consultants work in more than 140 countries globally.
The Union is a global membership, technical and scientific organisation, striving to end suffering due to tuberculosis and lung diseases by advancing better prevention and care. It seeks to achieve this by the generation, dissemination, and implementation of knowledge into policy and practice.
The Union’s approach to tackling global health problems is unique – KNOW. SHARE. ACT. We start with developing knowledge through global research (KNOW), which we then share as widely as possible (SHARE) and turn that into the real action to save lives on a local level (ACT).
The Union aims to ensure that no one is left behind, people are treated equally and we have a focus on vulnerable and marginalised populations and communities.
The Union’s work is exemplified by its core values of quality, transparency, accountability, respect, and independence.
Website: www.theunion.org
Social Media:
LinkedIn: International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease (The Union)
Bluesky: @theunion-tblh.bsky.social
Twitter: @TheUnion_TBLH
Facebook: The Union Lung Health
Instagram: @theunion_tblh