Efforts to protect children against respiratory diseases

Asthma and hay fever and other chronic respiratory diseases are the most common non-communicable diseases in children, and they have been on the rise in recent decades. That is why the Polish Presidency has made their prevention, early diagnosis and treatment a priority for the public health.

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In its conclusions, the Council invites member states to tackle the problems which constitute the biggest risk factors that could trigger a chronic respiratory disease: tobacco smoke, poor indoor air quality and outdoor air pollution.

Prevention should begin already before childbirth, and stop-smoking programmes for pregnant women should, for instance, be intensified. In addition, future mothers and children should be protected against exposure to tobacco smoke, in particular at home and in closed spaces.

Knowledge and public awareness play a key role in the prevention and treatment of these diseases and should be increased. Health education of children, parents and teachers is recognised as important in this regard, as well as training of health professionals.

Cooperation and exchange of best practices are also emphasised, and the Commission is invited to support member states in implementing their policies and improving networking, in particular international research networks.

The conclusions take into account an experts' conference on the prevention and control of childhood asthma and allergy in the EU, held in September in Poland.

More information:
Press release (pdf)
Council conclusions (pdf)
Press conference webcast
WHO website on chronic respiratory diseases (en, fr, es, ru)