When we are healthy, we take our breathing for granted, never fully appreciating that our lungs are essential organs for life. But when our lung health is impaired, nothing else but our breathing really matters. That is the painful reality for those suffering from lung disease, which affects people of all ages in every corner of the world. Lung diseases kill millions and cause suffering to millions more. Threats to our lung health are everywhere, and they start at an early age, when we are most vulnerable. Fortunately, many of these threats are avoidable and their consequences treatable. By acting now, we can save lives and prevent suffering worldwide.

The Forum of International Respiratory Societies (FIRS) is composed of the world’s leading international respiratory societies. The goal of the FIRS is to unify and enhance efforts to improve lung health throughout the world. The purpose of this document is to inform, raise awareness and assist those who advocate for protecting and improving respiratory health. It tells of the magnitude of respiratory diseases and the threats to lung health across the globe. It is not intended to be a comprehensive textbook, but instead is a guide emphasising the diseases of greatest and immediate concern. It outlines practical approaches to combat threats to respiratory health, and proven strategies to significantly improve the care we provide for individuals afflicted with respiratory diseases worldwide. The document calls for improvements in healthcare policies, systems and care delivery, as well as providing direction for future research. In brief, it outlines ways to make a positive difference in the respiratory health of the world.