World Lung Day 2026: Healthy Lungs, Healthy Populations

On 25 September 2026, World Lung Day highlighted the importance of respiratory health as a public health priority, calling for stronger prevention, earlier detection, equitable access to care and healthier environments.

Respiratory diseases remain a major public health challenge across Europe. While many lung diseases are preventable, addressing their impact requires coordinated action from policymakers, healthcare professionals, researchers and communities.

This year’s message, “Healthy Lungs, Healthy Populations,” emphasised the need to translate scientific evidence into effective public health action.

Key priorities include:

• Strengthening prevention through tobacco control, vaccination and healthier environments.
• Improving early detection by expanding access to lung function testing and timely diagnosis.
• Ensuring equitable access to care, including treatment, pulmonary rehabilitation and long-term support.
• Protecting clean air through stronger environmental policies and improved air quality.
• Strengthening health systems through research, investment and evidence-informed policies.

These priorities closely align with the objectives of the Joint Action on Respiratory Diseases (JARED), which brings together European partners to improve respiratory health, strengthen prevention and reduce health inequalities.

World Lung Day serves as a reminder that protecting lung health requires sustained commitment and collaboration across sectors.

Better policies. Stronger health systems. Healthier lungs.

Every action counts.