WHO WE ARE
The Global CRDs Caucus is a global network of parliamentarians uniting across borders and ideologies to drive political action, strengthen policies and secure investment so that everyone, everywhere, can breathe freely.
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We bring parliamentarians together with civil society, health professionals, researchers and global partners to address the causes of chronic respiratory diseases, expand access to quality care and build lasting political commitment to respiratory health.
WHY WE ARE NEEDED
CRDs carry substantial economic costs. People lose income when illness forces them to miss work or leave employment early. Families face treatment bills and further lost earnings when relatives take time off to provide care. Delayed diagnosis and repeated hospitalisation increase pressure on health budgets. These costs weaken household finances and reduce economic productivity.
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This is not because we lack medical or policy solutions. Governments have too often overlooked respiratory health and underfunded prevention and care. Millions of people remain exposed to tobacco use, household and ambient air pollution, occupational hazards and respiratory infections.
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Parliamentarians can change this. They can strengthen tobacco control and clean air laws, secure funding for timely diagnosis and affordable treatment and hold governments accountable for access to care.
WITHOUT URGENT POLITICAL ACTION, MILLIONS WILL CONTINUE TO LIVE WITH PREVENTABLE ILLNESS, DISABILITY AND FACE A PREMATURE DEATH.
Governments must act and parliamentarians are essential to making that happen. They have the power to pass legislation, approve budgets, oversee government performance and ensure that respiratory health commitments lead to measurable improvements in people’s lives.
In an era of constrained public finances and growing pressure on health systems, parliamentarians must act strategically. This means investing in prevention, improving early diagnosis, expanding access to essential medicines, oxygen therapy, pulmonary rehabilitation and integrated respiratory care.
The Global CRDs Caucus exists to mobilise and equip these political champions, because without sustained parliamentary leadership, respiratory health will remain overlooked and millions of people will continue to be denied the care and protection they need.
THE SECETARIAT
Our Secretariat supports parliamentarians so that their efforts have the greatest possible impact for people affected by chronic respiratory diseases. If you are interested in joining us, we advertise new roles on our News page and social media channels.
