Five new projects, based at RESPIRE partner organisations in India, Malaysia and Pakistan, have been funded to tackle respiratory diseases in Asia. Building on the current portfolio of research, RESPIRE has invested over half a million pounds in the new projects which cover both acute (short term, typically starting suddenly) and chronic (long term) respiratory conditions - some of the biggest causes of illness and death in the region. The studies will be conducted by RESPIRE partners in each country, in collaboration with the University of Edinburgh. Tailored to tackle local issues Each RESPIRE project is designed to be responsive to local needs, focusing on delivering research with the greatest potential for impact – improving the health and quality of life in individuals in the poorest and most vulnerable populations. A key focus for the two new projects based in India is the adaptation and tailoring of existing interventions, which can be incorporated into current health care systems in the country to improve the health of adults and children with pneumonia and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Projects in Malaysia and Pakistan are evaluating the impact of air quality on asthma, including air pollution and pollen, as well as the perceived effects of second-hand smoke in pregnancy. Find out more Read more about the new projects by following the links below Introducing pulse oximetry in primary health facilities in Pune district, India Pulmonary rehabilitation for COPD management in a rural Indian setting An ecological analysis of asthma health outcomes in Malaysia Perceived effects of second-hand smoke in pregnancy Seasonal pollen induced asthma in Islamabad Publication date 27 Aug, 2019
