Improving access to respiratory care in the Global South
Improving access to respiratory care in the Global South
GASP – Global Access to Sustainable Pulmonology
The Paolo Chiesi Foundation works in the field of respiratory health with the aim of improving the quality of life of patients and their families affected by chronic respiratory diseases, such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), particularly in countries of the Global South.
To address these conditions effectively, the Foundation promotes the GASP Model – Global Access to Sustainable Pulmonology, which is designed to provide a replicable approach for strengthening clinical and diagnostic capacities in the management of chronic respiratory diseases.
The model originated from the “Partners in Care – Optimizing Asthma & COPD Diagnosis and Chronic Disease Management in Guyana” project, a medical education initiative in pulmonology coordinated by Professor Robert Levy of the University of British Columbia. Following its launch in Guyana in 2014, the model was subsequently implemented by the Foundation in Peru in 2018, Nepal in 2023, and Uganda in 2026.
Given that optimal management of asthma and COPD relies on accurate diagnosis—integrating medical history, clinical examination, differential diagnosis, and, where available, spirometric confirmation—along with effective treatment, patient education, and continuous monitoring to assess disease severity and control, the model is structured around four key pillars.
The model originated from the “Partners in Care – Optimizing Asthma & COPD Diagnosis and Chronic Disease Management in Guyana” project, a medical education initiative in pulmonology coordinated by Professor Robert Levy of the University of British Columbia. Following its launch in Guyana in 2014, the model was subsequently implemented by the Foundation in Peru in 2018, Nepal in 2023, and Uganda in 2026.
Given that optimal management of asthma and COPD relies on accurate diagnosis—integrating medical history, clinical examination, differential diagnosis, and, where available, spirometric confirmation—along with effective treatment, patient education, and continuous monitoring to assess disease severity and control, the model is structured around four key pillars.
The four pillars of the GASP Model
Education
Strengthening the competencies of healthcare professionals, promoting patient self-management, and increasing community awareness of CRDs.
Spaces & Equipment
Assuring essential medical equipment, clinical protocols, and service organization to enhance diagnostic and treatment capacity, ensuring continuity of care across the health system.
Data & Research
Standardizing and digitalizing data collection to promote data-driven clinical practice and strengthen evidence-based management of CRDs in resource-constrained settings.
Advocavy & Networking
Engaging institutional stakeholders at different levels is essential to support policy alignment, system integration, and long-term sustainability in CRD management.
Where we work
