The World Health Organization plays a central role in supporting and coordinating events around the Union World Conference on Lung Health. The conference, organized by the International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease, brings together researchers, policymakers, health professionals and community leaders from around the world to address pressing challenges in lung health, including tuberculosis, chronic respiratory diseases and emerging infections. WHO’s participation in these events highlights its leadership in setting global health standards, providing technical guidance and promoting policies that protect vulnerable populations while advancing scientific research.
WHO hosts multiple sessions and side events during the conference, focusing on translating research into actionable policy and programmatic interventions. These events provide a platform for discussing the latest advances in diagnostics, treatment protocols and preventive strategies. Workshops often focus on child and adolescent tuberculosis, integration of lung health services into primary care, and the use of digital technologies to strengthen health systems. By engaging with conference participants, WHO ensures that its guidelines and recommendations are informed by practical experiences from countries facing high burdens of lung disease.
One of the key aspects of WHO’s events is their emphasis on collaboration and partnership. Representatives from governments, non-governmental organizations, academic institutions and civil society participate in these sessions to share lessons learned and identify opportunities for scaling up effective interventions. WHO uses these forums to encourage multi-sectoral engagement, highlighting the importance of linking tuberculosis programs with broader health, nutrition and social protection initiatives. These partnerships help to mobilize resources, strengthen implementation strategies and ensure that programs are responsive to local needs.
WHO also leverages its presence at the Union conference to launch or promote global initiatives aimed at reducing the burden of lung diseases. This includes introducing updated guidelines, presenting data on disease trends and highlighting innovative approaches to patient-centered care. The agency provides technical briefings on the management of drug-resistant tuberculosis, the integration of tuberculosis and HIV services, and strategies for addressing non-communicable respiratory diseases. These sessions are designed to equip health professionals and policymakers with the tools needed to improve service delivery and outcomes in their respective countries.
In addition to technical sessions, WHO participates in policy dialogues and roundtable discussions during the conference. These events allow participants to explore solutions to systemic challenges, such as financing gaps, workforce shortages and the need for stronger surveillance systems. By engaging stakeholders at multiple levels, WHO helps to align national strategies with global targets and ensures that evidence-based interventions are implemented effectively. The agency’s involvement also strengthens advocacy efforts, raising awareness about lung health priorities among decision-makers, funders and the general public.
The Union World Conference on Lung Health, with WHO’s active participation, serves as a critical platform for driving progress in global lung health. By convening experts, sharing knowledge and fostering collaboration, WHO contributes to the development of more effective programs and policies that reduce the burden of lung diseases worldwide. The events hosted and supported by WHO during the conference reinforce the importance of coordinated action, innovation and evidence-based strategies in achieving better health outcomes for all populations.
WHO’s engagement in the Union conference demonstrates its commitment to promoting equitable access to quality care, advancing research and strengthening health systems. These events play a key role in ensuring that global recommendations translate into real-world impact, helping countries accelerate progress toward ending tuberculosis and improving respiratory health globally. By participating in the conference, WHO continues to provide leadership, guidance and support that empower stakeholders to tackle lung health challenges effectively and sustainably.
