Global respiratory health priorities at the beginning of the 21st century

Abstract

Respiratory health has become a prevailing priority amid the diverse global health challenges that the 21st century brings, due to its substantial impact on individuals and communities on a global scale. Due to rapid advances in medicine, emerging knowledge gaps appear along with new challenges and ethical considerations. While breakthroughs in medical science can bring about encouraging possibilities for better treatments and interventions, they also lead to unanswered questions and areas where further research is warranted. A PubMed search on the topic “global respiratory health priorities” between the years 2000 and 2023 was conducted, which returned 236 articles. Of these, 55 were relevant and selected for inclusion in this article. The selection process took into account literature reviews, opinions from expert groups and careful analysis of existing gaps and challenges within the field; our selection encompasses specific infectious and noninfectious respiratory conditions in both adults and children. The global respiratory health priorities identified were selected on the basis that they have been recognised as critical areas of investigation and potential advancement and they span across clinical, translational, epidemiological and population health domains. Implementing these priorities will require a commitment to fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing among experts in different fields with the ultimate aim to improve respiratory health outcomes for individuals and communities alike.

Environment and lung health in a rapidly changing world

“…The priorities that we face globally in respect of respiratory health are outlined by G reene et al [ 3 ], who neatly summarise contingencies which apply to all health fields, such as health equity, tobacco control, development of new vaccines, antimicrobial resistance, pandemic preparedness, and AI, in addition to specific issues in diseases such as COPD and tuberculosis. Of the former, the incorporation at an accelerated pace of AI in the diagnosis, management and prediction of disease outcomes is a matter for optimism but also caution.…”