International Respiratory Coalition (IRC) Summit

The first International Respiratory Coalition (IRC) Summit entitled ‘Transforming respiratory medicine in the post pandemic world’ will be hosted by the European Respiratory Society (ERS) in collaboration with all IRC partners on 28 June 2022 (14:00 – 17:00 CEST).

This event will support the IRC’s goal to create strong national-level respiratory strategies and promote building resilience in managing pandemics. The International Respiratory Coalition was launched at the end of 2021 to address the slow-moving progression of chronic respiratory diseases care across Europe and beyond. COVID-19 acted as a catalyst in the development of this Coalition as the pandemic exposed gaps in care that required urgent attention. The IRC was formed to meet those needs and to use lessons learned during the pandemic to achieve positive changes in healthcare systems globally.

Participation of patients and patient organisations in the Coalition’s activities is essential, and their voice will be heard throughout the event. In every session of the Summit, patient advocates representing the asthma, COPD and cystic fibrosis communities will share their testimonials and views on the most pressing priorities in the respiratory field. Representatives of the ELF Council, Patient Advisory Committee (PAC) and Patient Advisory Groups (PAGs) will also be attending the Summit to contribute to this important discussion.

There will be free public access online (registration is required). Together with GAAPP (Global Allergy and Airways Patient Platform), ELF brings the patients’ perspective to this initiative, and we invite patient organisations to attend the event to find out more about the IRC and what it hopes to achieve.

By joining the event you will be able to learn more about the concept behind the IRC and how it aims to support the transformation of respiratory care at the national level.

There will be three sessions focusing on:

• Current priorities in the respiratory field
• The impact of COVID-19 on respiratory care
• How can we progress in the post-pandemic world

All interested individuals are invited to participate in the event online for free. Please complete this registration form. We hope that you can join for a productive discussion on the future of respiratory healthcare!

Learn more about the IRC Summit and the programme.