At the World Health Summit 2024 celebrated in Berlin, EFA participated in a panel hosted by the Copenhagen Institute for Futures Studies, discussing how data-driven tools can transform care for people living with COPD. With the Summit theme, “Building Trust for a Healthier World” as a guiding light, our intervention centred around one crucial question: how can data and patient voices reshape respiratory care?
EFA Director Susanna Palkonen attending World Health Summit in Berlin
Exploring the role of data in health policy
The panel, "Improving Health Systems & Health Outcomes through Data-Driven Decision Making in COPD," gathered global experts in health policy and respiratory care. EFA Director, Susanna Palkonen, spoke to the everyday needs of COPD patients and how data can help understanding and addressing these challenges. She highlighted that tools like the newly launched COPD Index, offer insights into the quality of COPD care and crucially, inequalities in care and prevention across countries, which can directly support policymakers in crafting better, more responsive health and care policies.
Human stories behind the data
The COPD Index reveals more than just big numbers. Each figure tells a story of someone living with COPD, often isolated by stigma and unable to voice their needs publicly. By allowing policymakers to compare prevention and care quality across countries, the COPD Index becomes a tool for evidence-based advocacy, helping leaders learn from best practices .
Building trust in COPD prevention and treatment
The panel also explored why COPD often receives less attention despite its burden and prevalence, and the challenge of securing political commitment for addressing COPD, which frequently gets sidelined in favour of more visible conditions. Participants pointed out the importance of demonstrating the economic impact of early intervention in COPD, highlighting how preventive measures, lung health for all, can reduce long-term costs, even if they lack the visibility as other conditions. Susanna also stated that data-driven tools are critical for patient advocacy but that collaboration is equally essential, as an example the European Lung Health Group, the Breathe Vision 2030 and #KeepBreathing campaign. With minimal innovation in COPD care over the last two decades, which is finally changing today, she stressed that it is time to focus on prevention and holistic support for patients.
A shared vision for a healthier future
The discussion ended on an inspiring note with the panel envisioning a unified approach to COPD prevention and care. “Together we are stronger in our fight against COPD,” said WHO Director for Public Health, Dr. Maria Neira, echoing a shared commitment to improving respiratory health worldwide.
EFA is committed to building a future where every person with COPD has access to the quality care they need to #KeepBreathing and live healthier lives.