Campaigns

: 01 December 2025

Take #CareForAll Action – Building a Healthier, More Resilient Europe

Respiratory diseases are among the leading causes of death and long-term illness across Europe, claiming more than 324,000 lives each year.¹ Yet they remain under-recognised, underdiagnosed and under-prioritised in public health policy.

The #CareForAll 2025 campaign, led by Active Citizenship Network (ACN) in collaboration with 13 national patient advocacy groups across Europe, calls on the EU to move towards a comprehensive EU Respiratory Health Plan – one that puts prevention, equity and resilience at the heart of care.

Every breath matters. By addressing the burden of respiratory disease through prevention, early detection and stronger healthcare systems, we can protect those most at risk and build healthier societies across Europe.

Why Respiratory Health Matters

Respiratory diseases – including conditions such as asthma, COPD, influenza and pneumonia – are responsible for millions of hospitalisations every year and place enormous strain on individuals, families and healthcare systems.²

Beyond the numbers, respiratory illness often intersects with other health and social inequalities. People with chronic conditions, those living in polluted environments and older adults are disproportionately affected.³

As advocates across Europe remind us:^4-8

The COVID-19 pandemic exposed the weaknesses of our health systems, particularly in respiratory care.
Air pollution and tobacco use remain major drivers of respiratory illness.
Underdiagnosis and late treatment increase both costs and preventable deaths.
The health workforce providing respiratory care faces rising pressure and resource gaps.

An EU Respiratory Health Plan is urgently needed to coordinate efforts across Member States, strengthen prevention and preparedness and ensure equitable access to care for all.

Addressing Inequities in Respiratory Health

Health equity must be at the centre of Europe’s response. Respiratory disease can affect anyone – but not everyone has equal access to protection, diagnosis, or treatment.

Through #CareForAll 2025, we are shining a light on the people most affected:

Older adults, young children and people with chronic conditions who are most vulnerable to respiratory infections.
Communities facing environmental risks, such as high air pollution or exposure to tobacco smoke.
Patients with long-term diseases – including diabetes, cancer and heart disease – whose health can worsen following respiratory infections.
Healthcare professionals, whose dedication sustains Europe’s respiratory care systems but who face growing workloads and burnout.

By amplifying patient voices, this campaign urges EU institutions to make respiratory health equity a central policy goal, so that no one is left behind.

The Case for an EU Respiratory Health Plan

Europe needs a unified approach to respiratory health. One that brings together prevention, preparedness, research and patient care.

An EU Respiratory Health Plan should:

Strengthen prevention and vaccination, reducing the burden of respiratory infections.
Improve early detection and diagnosis, especially for older adults and people with chronic conditions.
Integrate environmental and health policy, tackling air pollution and tobacco-related harm.
Support the respiratory health workforce, including nurses, pulmonologists and allied professionals.
Enhance data collection and surveillance, improving Europe’s readiness for seasonal peaks and new public health threats.

A coordinated European strategy will not only save lives, it will also reduce hospital strain, strengthen system resilience and promote healthier, fairer societies.

Building a Healthier, More Prepared Europe

The ongoing circulation of influenza, RSV and COVID-19 continues to expose preparedness gaps across Europe’s health systems. Each winter brings renewed strain on hospitals and frontline staff.

Resilience must be built, not just in response to crises, but as a permanent feature of Europe’s public health framework.

As one advocate shared: “Seasonal peaks and public health emergencies demonstrate the severe strain respiratory diseases place on hospital capacity. Resilience must be built into an EU Respiratory Health Plan.”

Investing in respiratory health is investing in Europe’s future.

Join the #CareForAll Movement

The Active Citizenship Network brings together patient-focused organisations across Europe to promote prevention, strengthen trust in healthcare and advocate for equitable health policy.

By engaging with the #CareForAll 2025 campaign, you can help:

Raise awareness of the growing burden of respiratory disease.
Support the call for an EU Respiratory Health Plan.
Share patient perspectives that highlight real needs and inspire real change.

Everyone deserves the right to breathe freely and safely. Together, we can make that right a reality.

Learn More

To find out how you can support the call for an EU Respiratory Health Plan, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Let’s take action for better health, stronger systems and a more resilient Europe.

Take #CareForAll today.

Watch the #CareforAll 2025 campaign collective video message here.

CareForAll Social Media Campaign