Airborne & Respiratory Pathogens

The Airborne & Respiratory Pathogens Committee addresses respiratory and aerosol-transmitted infectious diseases through a transmission-based approach, covering viral, bacterial, and fungal threats such as tuberculosis, COVID-19, influenza, RSV, and airborne fungal infections.

With a focus on pandemic preparedness, health system resilience, and health equity, the committee works to strengthen surveillance and early response, support evidence-based infection prevention and control, promote innovation in diagnostics, ventilation, and vaccine delivery, and encourage collaboration across clinical, public health, and environmental sectors.

It provides a collaborative space for members to develop integrated responses to respiratory threats in both epidemic and endemic settings.

41

Member Organizations

Stronger

Together for Impact

14

Countries Represented

Evidence

Policy in Action

Objectives

Strengthen surveillance and data systems

Promote better surveillance, data generation, sharing, and use to support timely detection, prevention, and response to airborne and respiratory pathogens.

Advance equitable access to prevention, diagnosis, and treatment

Advocate for equitable access to vaccines, diagnostics, treatment, oxygen, and other essential respiratory health interventions, particularly for underserved and vulnerable populations.

Strengthen respiratory health systems and preparedness

Promote integration of respiratory disease prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and preparedness within primary healthcare and national health systems.

Promote evidence-informed policy and political prioritisation

Translate scientific and community evidence into coordinated policy positions and advocacy that elevate airborne and respiratory diseases on national, regional, and global health agendas.

Support sustainable financing for respiratory health

Advocate for increased and sustainable domestic and international financing for respiratory disease prevention, surveillance, diagnostics, research, treatment, and preparedness.

Strengthen civil society coordination and participation

Connect civil society organisations, community groups, researchers, clinicians, and policymakers to reduce fragmentation and strengthen collective advocacy and implementation.