WHO is supporting the integration of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) services into primary health care (PHC) in Nepal and Sri Lanka, as part of efforts to strengthen frontline respiratory care and improve access to timely diagnosis and treatment. This work, supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies, is part of a wider WHO effort to strengthen the prevention, diagnosis and management of chronic respiratory diseases (CRDs) through PHC, alongside its broader work on technical guidance and global leadership.
Asthma and COPD continue to place a substantial burden on individuals, and families, particularly where diagnosis is delayed, access to inhaled treatment is inconsistent, and continuity of care is weak. Strengthening PHC is central to addressing these gaps, as it provides a platform for early identification, appropriate treatment, inhaler use support, follow-up, referral and patient education closer to communities.
In Sri Lanka, implementation is being taken forward in Kandy and Kalutara districts through a primary care-focused model that emphasizes systematic screening, improved diagnosis, health worker training, patient education and stronger follow-up through Healthy Lifestyle Centres and other PHC settings. It is supported by practical implementation tools and service delivery approaches designed to improve continuity of care.
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