PATS Lung Health Initiative (PALI)

World Lung Day is marked on 25 September each year to raise awareness and advocate for improved care for respiratory diseases globally. The Pan African Thoracic Society (PATS), together with other members of the Forum of International Respiratory Societies (FIRS), encourages individuals and organizations to host local advocacy events to promote lung health on this important day.

In 2022, PATS launched the PATS Lung Health Initiative (PALI) to strengthen lung health advocacy across Africa. PALI is an annual award program that supports World Lung Day activities aimed at improving awareness, education, and access to respiratory health services in African communities.

Purpose of the Initiative
The PATS Lung Health Initiative (PALI) aims to:

  • Raise awareness of lung health and respiratory diseases in Africa
  • Promote advocacy and community engagement around lung health
  • Support local initiatives that align with World Lung Day activities
  • Encourage collaboration between healthcare professionals, communities, and stakeholders

What Activities Can Be Supported?
Each year, PATS members can apply for PALI funding to implement local activities that promote lung health in their communities.

Supported activities may include:

  • Education and awareness programs for healthcare workers and the public
  • Community outreach events focused on lung health
  • Free lung function testing and screening activities
  • Free respiratory health services
  • Stakeholder engagement and advocacy activities
  • Fundraising events that support lung health programs

Please note: PALI is not a research grant. However, limited data collection related to service delivery activities may be undertaken.

Who Can Apply?
Applications are open to PATS paid up members who wish to organize World Lung Day activities in their local communities across Africa.

Get Involved
PATS encourages members to take part in World Lung Day on 25 September by organizing impactful activities that promote lung health in their communities.

📌 Application details and submission information will be announced annually.

Access the previous reports here