Addressing the global challenges of COPD and Asthma: A shared vision from the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and the Global Initiative for Asthma

Abstract

Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) and Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) have a shared purpose in working to improve outcomes for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma. This joint statement is dedicated to Professor Eric Bateman, an inaugural member of the GINA Science Committee and member of the GINA Board, and to Professor Robert Rodriguez-Roisin, a founder and chair of the GOLD board of directors, both recently deceased. Both made invaluable contributions to asthma and COPD research and took a global perspective on the challenges of diagnosis and management. It was partly Professor Bateman’s idea that GOLD and GINA should produce a joint statement addressing the similar challenges faced in the prevention, early and accurate diagnosis, and management of both COPD and asthma, emphasizing the determination of both organizations to work together to address these issues.