FIRS The Global Impact of Respiratory Disease – Second Edition | Page 43

is involved in promoting scientifi c research and driving standards through the training of respiratory professionals. It also plays a key role in education and in advocacy – raising awareness of lung disease amongst the public and politicians. Website: www.ersnet.org Headquarters: European Respiratory Society, 4 Avenue St-Luce, 1003 Lausanne, Switzerland Contact: [email protected] Number of Members: 36,000 Publications: European Respiratory Journal, ERJ Open Research, European Respiratory Review, ERS Monograph, Breathe, ERS Handbooks, European Lung White Book Pan African Thoracic Society (PATS) The Pan African Thoracic Society (PATS) was formed in 2003 to create a representative African respiratory society for the region and to address the high burden of respiratory illness in Africa, and members originate from 33 different African countries. The overall aim of PATS is to promote lung health in Africa through education, training, research and advocacy. PATS has developed several sentinel activities to achieve its aims. The Pan African Thoracic Society programme in Methods in Epidemiologic, Clinical and Operations Research (PATS-MECOR) began in 2007 with the aim of developing research capacity in Africa. Highly successful courses have been held annually for trainees from several African countries. The African Journal of Respiratory Medicine (AJRM) is closely linked with PATS, including a PATS-elected editorial board. The Union (International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease) Since its founding as a global scientifi c organisation in 1920, The Union has drawn from the best evidence and the skills, expertise and reach of its members, staff and consultants to advance solutions for the most pressing public health challenges affecting people living in poverty. The Union works with stakeholders across the globe from every sector, including governments, international agencies, civil society and the private sector. Its annual World Conference on Lung Health attracts upwards of 4,000 delegates and the organisation is currently developing solutions for tuberculosis, HIV and other lung diseases, and policies to reduce tobacco use and prevent non-communicable diseases. With more than 20,000 members and publication subscribers from 146 countries, The Union has its headquarters in Paris and 10 offi ces worldwide in Africa, the Asia Pacifi c region, Europe, Latin America, North America, and South East Asia. Website: www.theunion.org Headquarters: 68, boulevard Saint-Michel, 75006, Paris, France Contact: www.theunion.org/contact Number of Members: 20,000 Publications: The International Journal of Tuberculosis and Lung Disease, Public Health Action, and many technical manuals and other educational and scientifi c works Website: www.africanthoracic.org Headquarters: Virtual society Contact: www.africanthoracic.org Number of members: 720 Publication: African Journal of Respiratory Medicine 42 Forum of International Respiratory Societies