Asthma is a major cause of chronic morbidity and mortality throughout the world. The Global Initiative for Asthma was created to increase awareness of asthma among health professionals, public health authorities and the general public, and to improve prevention and management through a concerted worldwide effort. The Initiative prepares scientific reports on asthma, encourages dissemination and adoption of the reports, and promotes international collaboration on asthma research.

While astyhma has been recognized for many years, public health officials are concerned about recent and continuing increase in its prevalence. The Global Initiative for Asthma offers a framework for asthma management that can be adapted to local health care systems and resources. Educational tools, such as laminated cards, or computer-based learning programs can be prepared that are tailored to these systems and resources.

The Global Initiative for Asthma program publications include:

• Workshop Report: Global Strategy for Asthma Management and Prevention (updated 2003). Scientific information and recommendations for asthma programs
• Pocket Guide for Asthma Management and Prevention. Summary of patient care information for primary health care professionals. (updated 2003).
• Pocked Guide for Asthma Management and Prevention in children. Summary of patient care information for pediatricians and other health care professionals. (updated 2003).
• Asthma Management and Prevention: A Practical Guide for Public Health Officials and Health Care Professionals.
• What You and Your Family Can Do About Asthma. An Information booklet for patients and their families