World Lung Day: A Call to advocate for TB and Lung Health

World Lung Day, observed every year on September 25, is a global awareness initiative led by the Forum of International Respiratory Societies (FIRS) and its partners. Launched in 2019, the campaign aims to draw attention to the burden of lung diseases and drive action toward improving lung health worldwide. This year, under the theme “Healthy Lungs, Healthy Life,” FIRS is highlighting practical steps that individuals and communities can take.

Here in Canada, while we recognize and celebrate World Lung Day, the country continues to fall short of its fair-share of contribution to tuberculosis (TB) research and development, a commitment set by the UN in 2018. At the same time, domestic investments remain inadequate to eliminate TB within our own borders. In Canada, TB disproportionately affects Indigenous communities, where access to healthcare remains limited and newcomer populations, who often face barriers to regular care. Addressing TB here requires community-owned, equity-driven solutions in Atlantic Canada and more broadly across the country.

Since, the fight against tuberculosis (TB) requires collective action, both globally and here in Canada, this year, we take the opportunity to shine a spotlight on the powerful advocacy work happening within Canada. Canadian advocates, such as, Results Canada, Partners in Health, and Stop TB Canada are stepping up to ensure TB remains a priority. Their central focus is to engage Canadian parliamentarians on the urgent need to invest in the fight against TB, therefore, they are organizing a #LeadOnTB Hill Day. A central call of this advocacy is for Canada to continue its support for Canada to continue to fund GC8 of the Global Fund, a vital source of funding to fight TB, HIV, and malaria worldwide.

Marking the World Lung Day and the efforts from the Canadian advocates to engage the parliamentarian come at a critical moment. Through the PPM Roadmap, we can emphasize that advocacy is not optional, it is fundamental. Sensitizing parliamentarians and decision-makers is a powerful step toward ensuring Canada not only meets its domestic responsibilities but also contributes meaningfully to the global fight to end TB.

Global health financing is under immense pressure since United States is pulling off, and yet the need for sustainable, innovative approaches to end TB has never been greater. Therefore, advocacy is essential not only to secure funding but also to ensure that decision-makers recognize the human impact of this disease and the solutions needed. And Canada has the resources to lead the effort while needing political will to make it happen. On this World Lung Day, let’s amplify our Canadian voices, connect to global movements, and reaffirm our collective commitment to ending TB everywhere.