Events and Blogs

March 2–6, 2026 | Cape Town, South Africa

In partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO), the Pace Center for Global Health hosted a specialized media training workshop aimed at increasing the quality and breadth of chronic respiratory disease (CRD) media coverage globally. Bringing together regional and international journalists, this five-day program led by WHO Director-General and Special Envoy for CRDs - José Luis Castro - provided specialized training, epidemiological data analysis, and direct access to leading public health experts and affected communities.

The workshop was designed to deepen participants' understanding of asthma, COPD, tobacco control, and the impact of air pollution. Through interactive expert roundtables and immersive field visits to local healthcare facilities, including the Pediatric Asthma Centre at Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital and the Masiphumelele Clinic, journalists were equipped with knowledge and trained on using the tools necessary to report effectively on CRDs. This initiative was aimed at raising public awareness, reduce stigma, and call for policies that improve health outcomes.

Visit Elevating Lung Health in South Africa to learn more.

February 4, 2026 | (Delhi, India)

As a part of its ongoing global advocacy efforts, the Pace Center for Global Health co-hosted a high-level Planning and Brainstorming Meeting to elevate Chronic Respiratory Diseases (CRDs) on India's national health agenda. Convened by the WHO Director-General and Special Envoy for CRDs in collaboration with Pace University, HRIDAY, and the Healthy India Alliance (India NCD Alliance), the strategic session brought together leading medical experts, researchers, and civil society partners.

The dialogue focused on translating recent global commitments, including UN and World Health Assembly resolutions on lung health, into actionable local policy. Participants tackled systemic gaps in primary healthcare, emphasizing the urgent need for improved early diagnosis, front-line healthcare worker training, and targeted strategies to combat the societal stigma surrounding respiratory illnesses. The group also explored environmental intersections, such as the severe impacts of household air pollution and climate change, while highlighting innovative, technology-driven screening solutions.

Looking ahead, partners proposed the formation of a National Task Force on CRDs and the development of a standardized "Lung Health Package" for primary care workers. The consortium is now building towards a major national milestone event aligned with World COPD Day in November 2026, which will showcase India's comprehensive roadmap for addressing CRDs.