Non-communicable diseases

Overview

The European Respiratory Society (ERS) works with policymakers and in collaboration with civil society organisations to improve early recognition and early diagnosis of chronic diseases. We advocate for cost-effective screening methods as well as promote innovative approaches to chronic care, such as ehealth and mhealth. ERS lobbies for EU funding for long-term and industry-independent trials that involve patients with non-communicable diseases.

50%

of people with bronchiectasis have an existing condition, such as cystic fibrosis or an immune deficiency.

10m

Europeans aged under 45 have asthma.

42%

of cystic fibrosis patients are over 18 years old and this proportion is growing.

Related people

Barbara Hoffmann

Advocacy Council Chair

Learn about the ERS Advocacy Council

Objectives:

Increase awareness of the burden of non-communicable respiratory diseases in Europe.
Ensure access to essential medicines and encourage EU member states to add medications to essential medicines lists.
Increase understanding of risk factors for developing or worsening of chronic respiratory diseases.
Promote cost-effective methods for prevention, early detection and treatment to inform EU policy decisions.

Activities:

Campaigning as part of awareness events to raise the profile of lung diseases.
Arranging stakeholder meetings with policymakers and civil society organisations to build coalitions focused on prevention, research, public health and chronic respiratory diseases.
In collaborations with ERS specialists, offering recommendations for the development and implementation of screening programmes.

What are the most common chronic respiratory diseases in Europe?
Asthma Bronchiectasis Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease Hypersensitivity pneumonitis Interstitial lung disease Pneumoconiosis Post-tuberculous lung disease Pulmonary circulatory disease: pulmonary embolism, pulmonary hypertension and cor pulmonale Pulmonary eosinophilia Rhinitis Sarcoidosis Sleep apnoea syndrome

Resources

ERS position statement on asthma and the environment

ERS/ESR statement on lung cancer screening

ERS/ESR factsheet on lung cancer screening

European Chronic Diseases Alliance publications

Other policy areas

Environment and health

EU policies and research

Tobacco control

The European Lung Foundation

In partnership with ERS, the European Lung Foundation (ELF) brings patients and the public together with healthcare professionals to improve lung health and advance diagnosis treatment and care.

Visit the ELF website

In the news

News

Milestone for health in Europe as revised air quality law confirmed by EU Environment Council

The European Respiratory Society (ERS) and European Lung Foundation (ELF) have welcomed a major step forward for health in Europe after EU Environment Ministers gave the final green light to the amended Ambient Air Quality Directive (AAQD).

News

World No Tobacco Day social reels challenge winners announced

For World No Tobacco Day 2024, ERS sponsored a prize in the World Health Organisation (WHO) and Global Centre for Good Governance in Tobacco Control (GGTC) social reels challenge.

News

World Lung Day 2024: International Respiratory Societies call for urgent action on air pollution

Seven million deaths annually are attributed to air pollution-related illnesses like COPD, lung cancer and respiratory infections. The European Respiratory Society (ERS) calls on global leaders to intensify efforts to combat air pollution, a leading cause of lung disease and death worldwide.