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 COPD day 2023
Breathing is Life – Act Earlier
The Forum of International Respiratory Societies Highlights World COPD Day 2023
In support of World COPD Day, on November 15, the Forum of International Respiratory Societies (FIRS), of which Pan African Thoracic Society is a founding member, is highlighting the crucial role of early diagnosis and early intervention in managing COPD. This year’s theme "Breathing is Life – Act Earlier" emphasises that maintaining healthy lungs is essential for our overall well-being, and early action is more critical than ever.
Asthma reliever use in Africa
PATS and AstraZeneca invites you to join the Joint webinar, topic "Asthma reliever use in Africa" on Thursday, 30 November 2023.
World Pneumonia Day 2023
Urgent Need for Increased Global Access to Effective Prevention and Treatment of Pneumonia
Forum of International Respiratory Societies Highlights World Pneumonia Day 2023
On World Pneumonia Day, 12 November, the Forum of International Respiratory Societies (FIRS), of which Pan African Thoracic Society is a founding member, is highlighting the urgent challenges in pneumonia prevention and treatment globally.
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.
