Global CRDs Caucus launches on World Lung Day, opening Declaration for parliamentarians worldwide

New initiative creates a platform for parliamentary collaboration on chronic respiratory diseases, which affect half a billion people and cause approximately four million deaths annually.

The Global CRDs Caucus launches today, on World Lung Day, introducing a new international parliamentary initiative dedicated to chronic respiratory diseases (CRDs) and opening its Declaration for parliamentarians worldwide to read and sign.

Chronic respiratory diseases affect half a billion people globally and cause approximately four million deaths annually. Asthma affects more than 360 million people and causes over 400,000 deaths each year. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), the largest contributor to CRD mortality, affects more than 200 million people and causes over three million deaths annually.

Despite the scale of these conditions, substantial gaps remain in prevention, early diagnosis and access to effective treatment. The consequences extend beyond individual health, affecting families, livelihoods, health systems and national economies.

An initiative of the Global Health Caucus, the Global CRDs Caucus has been established to provide parliamentarians with a platform for international collaboration and knowledge exchange on chronic respiratory diseases. Its launch introduces the Declaration as a foundation for engaging MPs in the initiative and building parliamentary participation.

The announcement coincides with World Lung Day 2026, whose theme, A Lifetime of Lung Health, highlights the importance of protecting respiratory health at every stage of life.

With its Declaration and website now available, the Caucus is inviting parliamentarians worldwide to learn about the initiative and become signatories. The next phase will focus on engaging parliamentary champions and developing the network beyond the launch.

Parliamentarians can access the Declaration and find out how to become signatories at www.globalcrdscaucus.org