Action Report of Chronic Respiratory Diseases Research sub-committee of INCDC, an Experience from Iran

Globally, COPD was reported as the fourth leading cause of death (5.1%) in 2004 and is projected to occupy the third position (8.6%) in 2030. From a global perspective, exposure to indoor and outdoor biomass fumes and air pollution are important risk factors chronic respiratory diseases. Sub-committee of Iranian Non-Communicable Diseases Committee (INCDC) is particularly concerned that there should be a coordinated National strategy to address the burden caused by chronic respiratory diseases.

In 2011, Iranian Ministry of Health and Medical Education (MoHME) has decided to give promotion to the establishment of research networks and use them as the mile stones for research management particularly for the national health priorities. General assembly of the national was held in April 2011. We are to present a decade’s experience of chronic respiratory diseases sub-committee of INCDC.

Chronic Respiratory Diseases National Service Framework (NSF) is one of the main outcomes of chronic respiratory diseases sub-committee of INCDC. We consider NSF as long-term strategies for improving specific areas of lung care. we set measurable goals within time frames. These documents from INCDC will evolve with greater clinical experience and publication of new information in national and sub-national levels.

Drawing upon our experience, we should develop all the infrastructure and resource available among the centers to support respiratory health at national, sub-national, and regional levels.