Respiratory diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, respiratory infections, tuberculosis and lung cancer, are among the most common causes of severe illness and death worldwide. To promote awareness of the burden of lung disease, the Forum of International Respiratory Sciences (FIRS) and its supporters invite you to celebrate World Lung Day 2018 today. The aim of this year’s event is to continue the spirit of the inaugural celebration held last year and use it to stimulate global discussion and action on respiratory health and air quality.

Several organisations across the globe have planned or held activities and events in honour of World Lung Day 2018:

• The journal Respirology is making a range of articles free to access throughout September.
• The International Multidisciplinary Programme to Address Lung Health and TB in Africa will erect giant inflatable lungs outside the Liverpool Life Sciences Accelerator building in the UK.
• The AMMA center for lung health and sleep disorders is hosting an awareness campaign on cough etiquette for school children.
• To coincide with Philippines’ National Lung Month, the Philippine College of Chest Physicians held an advocacy campaign throughout August that included patient education activities.

FIRS encourage you to join the conversation via #WorldLungDay or hold your own event – how are you showing your support for World Lung Day 2018? Add your comments below.

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Summary by Alice Wareham PhD from Aspire Scientific

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With thanks to our sponsors, Aspire Scientific Ltd and NetworkPharma Ltd