Transforming policy to action: advancing lung health through global collaboration

This year, the global lung health community reached a significant milestone: lung cancer was formally recognised in a World Health Assembly resolution. This recognition is not merely symbolic – it is a powerful call to action. It provides a platform to integrate lung cancer into broader health strategies and to advocate for the resources and attention this disease urgently requires.
 

From resolution to real-world change

The World Health Organization’s integrated lung health resolution highlights the need for a unified approach to lung diseases, addressing both communicable and non-communicable conditions. It emphasises the importance of tackling shared risk factors such as tobacco use and air pollution, and calls for multisectoral engagement to promote lung health and reduce disparities across regions.

But policy alone is not enough. Progress depends on translating these commitments into tangible actions that improve outcomes for people affected by lung cancer and other lung diseases. Around the world, we are seeing how evidence, advocacy and compassion can come together to drive change – from innovative screening initiatives and community-based approaches to integrated care models and efforts to dismantle stigma.
 

Bidirectional change: how local innovation shapes global policy

Progress in lung health is most effective when policy change flows in both directions: from global frameworks to local action, and from local innovation back up to inform global strategies. International initiatives, such as the integrated lung health resolution, provide a vital foundation and shared vision. However, it is the adaptation and implementation of these policies at national and local levels that truly drive impact – tailoring solutions to meet the unique needs of communities and health systems.

Equally important, local and national initiatives serve as foci of innovation, generating evidence and best practices that can be scaled and adapted elsewhere. By sharing these lessons and successes, countries and communities contribute to the evolution of global policy, ensuring it remains relevant, responsive and grounded in real-world experience. This dynamic, bidirectional exchange is essential for accelerating progress and achieving equitable lung health outcomes worldwide.
 

Building momentum through equity, innovation and collaboration

At the heart of this movement must be a commitment to equity. Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer death globally, claiming over 1.8 million lives each year. Yet, the burden is not shared equally. Low- and middle-income countries face the greatest challenges and the least access to innovation. Addressing these disparities requires leadership, collaboration and a relentless focus on ensuring that no one is left behind.

The launch of wider initiatives to solidify evidence-informed policy and drive this to action can build from and enhance the impact of the lung health resolution. For example, the IASLC–Lancet Commission on Lung Cancer marks a new chapter in global efforts to reimagine lung cancer care. And the anticipated IARC handbook on lung cancer screening will provide a robust evidence evaluation to underpin future screening initiatives, which will continue to form a crucial component of efforts to improve outcomes.
 

The path forward: policy to action

As we look ahead, it is clear that progress is not inevitable. It requires sustained commitment, cross-sector partnerships, and the active involvement of patients and communities. As a Network, we will actively pursue this goal and collaborate with the lung cancer community to:

• advocate for the integration of lung cancer into national and global health strategies
• share best practices and lessons learned from diverse settings
• foster global partnerships that make advocacy more effective and accessible
• place people with lung cancer at the heart of every recommendation and policy shift.

Let’s continue to build momentum, advocate for equity, and create a future where everyone has the opportunity for better lung health.