On 23 November, Members of the European Parliament launched a campaign to collect signatures to support a Written Declaration on chronic respiratory diseases (number 0115/2016). The launch event included free spirometry testing and was attended by ERS Advocacy Council Chair Christina Gratziou, Professor of Pulmonary Medicine at the University of Athens.
Respiratory allergy, asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are among the most prevalent chronic diseases, adversely affecting patients’ quality of life, and costing over EUR 300 billion annually.
The Written Declaration calls upon the European Commission to increase prevention and timely and accurate diagnosis of chronic respiratory diseases by boosting research, combating risk factors and strengthening education in the field.
The European Respiratory Society (ERS) and European Lung Foundation (ELF) and the European Federation of Allergy and Airway Diseases Patients’ Associations (EFA) are urging European parliamentarians to show their support for the Written Declaration to tackle the growing burden of respiratory diseases.
How does the written declaration work?
The written declaration requires the signatures of over half of all MEPs from until 24 January 2017 to be published in the minutes of the European Parliament and forwarded to relevant EU institutions.
The written declaration is already supported by a number of MEPs, including:
Alberto Cirio (PPE), Karin Kadenbach (S&D), Catherine Stihler (S&D), Kateřina Konečná (GUE/NGL), Biljana Borzan (S&D), Eva Kaili (S&D), Piernicola Pedicini (EFDD), David Borrelli (EFDD), Damiano Zoffoli (S&D), Sirpa Pietikäinen (PPE), Nessa Childers (S&D), Cristian-Silviu Buşoi (PPE).
How can ERS members support this campaign?
ERS members in Europe can support this campaign by writing to their national MEPs to encourage them to support the campaign.
ERS members in the rest of the world can share key messages from the campaign on their own communication channels.
Don’t forget to use the hashtag #BreatheMission to follow the campaign.