November is always a hectic month as we close out current year’s projects while actively preparing for the next year. I hope you will take a pause to read all of the inspiring work highlighted in this newsletter.
Here you will learn more about our most successful World COPD Day ever, along with the latest GOLD 2025 update and conference highlights. You will also get the chance to link to the WHO GARD portal to find the latest resources from all corners of the globe. GAAPP has also added new Alpha-1 resources to our site which may support your work.
Finally, learn best practices from a few of our member organizations who recently received impact funds from GAAPP, and consider what you want to apply for in January. If you work in skin health, I also encourage you to listen in on December 5 to hear more about a global resolution advancing in 2025. It is truly going to be a great year and I remain so thankful to each of you!
All my best,
Tonya Winders
President 2017-2027
GAAPP News & Opportunities
Advocating for Change: Highlights from #WorldCOPDDay and COPD Awareness Initiatives
This year’s #WorldCOPDDay marked significant strides in COPD advocacy and awareness:
Capitol Hill Advocacy: GAAPP joined forces with COPD action, COPD Foundation, and Right2Breathe for a lunch briefing titled “Fighting for Air: Reducing the Burden of COPD through Policy.” Key discussions focused on policy changes to address the significant impact of COPD.
Speak Up for COPD Campaign: We call for greater awareness and better care for those living with COPD. Join us in the movement to empower patients, advocate for change, and act to improve care. Lend your voice, help us achieve 10.000 voices and #SpeakUpforCOPD!
Visit speakupforcopd.com to learn how you can make a difference in advancing the future of COPD care.
#COPDBatonPass: GAAPP’s CEO and VP of Education joined this global 24-hour virtual event, highlighting initiatives like Speak Up for COPD and educational efforts to promote COPD awareness.
Additionally, GAAPP participated in the 9th annual GOLD International COPD Conference in Philadelphia, representing global advances in COPD advocacy for the #SpeakUpForCOPD coalition.
Let’s continue the momentum!
New Educational Resource on Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency Released
GAAPP has introduced an educational page on Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency, a genetic condition linked to both lung and liver diseases. This resource is tailored for the general public, offering clear information about the condition, its symptoms, diagnosis, and management.
The initiative aims to raise awareness of this often-overlooked condition, encouraging earlier detection and better health outcomes. We hope to empower individuals, caregivers, and healthcare professionals with the knowledge needed!
Educational Content on Pulmonary Hypertension Now Available
GAAPP has released a new educational resource on PH, offering a clear overview of the condition and its effects. Tailored for recently diagnosed individuals, caregivers, and the public, this resource provides practical insights to enhance understanding and improve condition management.
Mark your calendars for the last GAAPP Academy of 2024 on December 11 at 15:00 CET! This special session will feature GAAPP’s Chief Research Officer, Dr. Ruth Tal-Singer, and VP of Education, Kristen Willard, as they delve into strategies for optimizing research partnerships with GAAPP.
Whether you’re looking to strengthen collaborations or learn about new opportunities, this is an event you won’t want to miss.
Missed our previous Academy? Watch “Member Organization Success Stories” featuring impactful projects from Dr. Nicole Hass (Spain) and Gundula Goblmiller (Austria) on our YouTube channel.
Get Involved
COPD Communication Grant Open Until December 6!
We invite you to explore and share our new assets as part of the #SpeakUpForCOPD campaign. Help us reach our goal of gathering 10,000 voices to raise awareness and drive action for COPD.
Help researchers test a modified asthma inhaler with an approximately 90% lower carbon footprint.
Inclusion criteria
Mild to moderate asthma
18 years or older
Click here to see if you are eligible to participate!
Member News
Costa Rica’s Legislative Assembly has passed a new Rare Diseases Bill, establishing a research center at the National Children’s Hospital for better diagnoses and a registry to track rare disease prevalence.
Advocated since 2020, this milestone is a victory for patients and the Costa Rican Federation for Rare Diseases. Congratulations!
On World Lung Day 2024, HCAN carried out impactful activities under its “Integrated & Sustainable Management of COPD in Nepal” project. Highlights included school programs for 5,000 students, the Chiya Guff Program, a digital campaign reaching 1 million people, and a webinar with NIRI on air quality and lung health. These efforts promoted awareness and preventive strategies across Nepal.
Join the International Conference on Pulmonary Hypertension on December 14 (10am EET) in Lviv, Ukraine, hosted by PHURDA.
The event, proudly sponsored by GAAPP, includes multiple translations and highlights the vital role of patient organizations in education during challenging times.
On November 25, Asociacion Argentina de Alergia al Látex hosted a Spanish-language webinar on latex allergy prevention, emphasizing strategies for health professionals and caregivers to protect mothers and newborns. The event highlighted key prevention techniques for managing latex-related risks during the perinatal period.
Join GlobalSkin on December 5 (2pm CET) for a webinar discussing a World Health Assembly resolution to develop a Global Action Plan for All Skin Diseases. This important session will focus on advancing global efforts to improve care and outcomes for individuals affected by skin conditions.
On November 24, our member organization APAD hosted a unique pool fundraiser to raise awareness about asthma.
The event combined fun aquatic activities with educational sessions on managing children’s symptoms, engaging the community in a meaningful way.
Reminders
Upcoming GAAPP Newsletter to Feature 2025 Updates
Keep an eye out for GAAPP’s final newsletter of the year!
It will include key announcements such as the dates for the 2025 GAAPP Summit, details about Regional Alliance Events, and guidance on how to apply for the 2025 Impact Funds (Project Funding Requests).
Stay tuned for these important updates as we prepare for an impactful year ahead!
Join the Global Alliance for Chronic Respiratory Diseases (GARD) Community
This free online platform serves as a dynamic hub, featuring a live newsletter, event calendars, and a noticeboard showcasing the activities of GARD member organizations. Explore a wealth of resources related to chronic respiratory diseases and stay connected with experts worldwide.
We proudly represent 147 organizations in 60 countries from all continents
We advocate for 20 Pathologies across all allergy, atopic, and airways diseases
More than 80 papers published and supported more than 30 multi-stakeholder projects
Join the International Conference on Pulmonary Hypertension on December 14 (10am EET) in Lviv, Ukraine, hosted by PHURDA.
