Welcome message from the president
Welcome to the Pan African Thoracic Society (PATS) website!
The Pan African Thoracic Society is a major professional organization representing Lung Health in Africa. Africa carries a disproportionally high burden of respiratory morbidity and mortality relative to the population size. In Africa infectious diseases are still a major cause of death including; pneumonia, tuberculosis and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) associated respiratory diseases. Coupled with this, the increasing burden on non-communicable respiratory diseases including asthma and COPD which are said to overtake infectious diseases in Africa by 2030.
Who we are
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 65 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.
PATS is a registered Non-Profit Organisation (221-195-NPO).
We continuously partner with other regional and international respiratory organisations in global efforts to improve lung health.
Proud member of FIRS
PATS is a proud member of the Forum of International Respiratory Societies (FIRS) that includes leading international societies ATS, ALAT, APSR, Chest, ERS, IUATLD.
Latest News
World Lung Day 2023
Leave No One Behind: The Forum of International Respiratory Societies calls for equitable access to prevention and treatment on World Lung Day 2023 25 September 2023 This World Lung Day, September 25, the Forum of International Respiratory Societies (FIRS) and its founding member Pan African Thoracic Society, is calling on governments and healthcare providers worldwide to give equitable access to preventative services and treatments for respiratory conditions, and lifesaving pneumonia vaccines for children.
Pan African Thoracic Society Newsletter from the President Vol 02
Dear PATS Members and Family,
In this second edition of our newsletter for 2023, it is great to reflect on the last three months and to share with you some news of our organization.
Prof Refiloe Masekela awarded NIHR Professorship
PATS President Prof Refiloe Masekela was among four global health researchers awarded prestigious NIHR Professorships.
Dr Obianuju Ozoh awarded the World Lung Health Award
PATS Vice President, Anglophone region, Dr Obianuju Beatrice Ozoh was awarded the World Lung Health Award during the American Thoracic Society (ATS) 2023 Congress in Washington in May.