The @WHO is urging countries to integrate the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of #respiratory diseases into primary healthcare to help patients get timely and appropriate care. The call was made at a global meeting on integrated lung 🫁 health in Nairobi, Kenya, where health advocates were challenged to turn the world’s first #lung health resolution into practical action across Africa. WHO @DrTedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus Director-General’s Special Envoy for Chronic Respiratory Diseases Jose Luis Castro, said healthcare workers must look beyond tuberculosis when patients present with persistent coughing or difficulty breathing, noting that conditions such as #asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease #COPD also require attention. The push follows the adoption of World Health Assembly Resolution WHA78.5 in May 2025, which promotes an integrated approach to lung health through primary healthcare and referral services. The resolution seeks to connect efforts to prevent, diagnose and treat both communicable and non-communicable respiratory diseases, building on progress in tuberculosis control and #tobacco prevention while addressing gaps in the management of chronic lung conditions. @JLCastroGarcia stressed that protecting lung health must extend beyond hospitals and clinics to the environments in which people live and work. Reducing exposure to household #airpollution, protecting workers from harmful dust and improving access to affordable inhalers for people living with asthma are among the measures needed to prevent avoidable illness and deaths. He also called for stronger collaboration among the #health, environment, energy, labour, education and finance sectors, alongside greater involvement of clinicians, researchers and people living with lung diseases. savinewsafrica.ng/2026/10/10…

📢 Deadline extended! Nominations for 2026 UNIATF Awards are now open until 31 October 2026 🏆 Do you know a ministry, city or organization making a real difference in preventing and managing chronic #respiratory diseases while tackling the health impacts of #airpollution? 🌍🫁 The @WHO World Health Organization and the UN Inter-Agency Task Force on NCDs @un_ncd are looking for inspiring examples of action, innovation and cross-sector collaboration. This year’s awards spotlight organizations that are: 🌱 Driving sustainable policy solutions 🤝 Bringing health, environment, transport, energy and urban planning together 💡 Demonstrating innovative approaches and measurable impact ⚖️ Addressing health inequities and supporting marginalized communities 🚀 Mobilizing partnerships and resources for lasting change Awards will be presented in three categories: ✅ Ministries of Health and government #health agencies ✅ Non-health government bodies, including #city authorities ✅ NGOs, research institutions and foundations Know an organization that deserves recognition? Nominate them! 📅 Deadline: 31 October 2026 📩 Submit nominations to [email protected] 🏆 Winners will be announced at the 80th World Health Assembly in May 2027. Let’s celebrate the people and organizations turning bold commitments into healthier, cleaner and more equitable communities. More details here uniatf.who.int/about-us/news…