Healthy Lungs for Life supports training of healthcare professionals in Africa

Healthy Lungs for Life (HLfL), a campaign set up by the European Lung Foundation (ELF) and European Respiratory Society (ERS), was pleased to support a spirometry training event for healthcare professionals in Kenya.

The training took place alongside the Pan African Thoracic Society (PATS) Congress, which was held in Nairobi, Kenya, on 9–12 April, 2016.

The workshop was run by Prof Refiloe Masekela and was very successful; with 32 healthcare professionals trained in how to perform lung function testing. Now trained, the participants are enthusiastic about using spirometry with their patients and in their research, and to hold local HLfL events in their communities.

ELF and ERS financially supported the event using donations from delegates and money raised by industry on their exhibition stand during the ERS International Congress in Amsterdam 2015. In addition, spirometry testing equipment was kindly provided by ndd and Pharmaxis.

Lindsay van der Linden, who is part of the ERS Spirometry Driving Licence team and is based in Africa said of the event: “I am very excited about what this will mean in assisting promoting lung health and the use of spirometry on this side of the world.”

Prof Andy Bush, who attended the event on behalf of the ERS thought the session was: “Outstanding – with standing room only.”

Find out more about the Healthy Lungs for Life campaign, which is raising awareness of the importance of physical activity and clean air for lung health.