Welcome to the Pan African Thoracic Society (PATS) website!

The Pan African Thoracic Society is a major professional organization representing Lung Health in Africa. Respiratory non-communicable diseases including asthma and COPD are key challenges for health in Africa and a major cause of morbidity and mortality in African population. Africa carries a disproportionally high burden of respiratory morbidity and mortality relative to the population size. Infectious diseases such as Pneumonia, Tuberculosis and HIV associated respiratory illnesses are amongst the commonest acute respiratory illnesses in African population.

PATS is a respiratory society made up of healthcare professionals from across the continent and beyond. Formed in 2003, we now have over 1,000 members from 56 countries.  

PATS aims to promote lung health in Africa, the continent most afflicted by morbidity and death from respiratory diseases, by promoting education, research, advocacy, optimal care and the development of African capacity to address respiratory challenges in the continent. 

We continuously partner with other regional and international respiratory organisations in global efforts to improve lung health.