Organizations around the world will be celebrating World Asthma Day on May 3, 2005. World Asthma Day is organized by the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) in collaboration with health care groups and asthma educators to raise awareness about asthma and improve asthma care throughout the world

The first World Asthma Day, in 1998, was celebrated in more than 35 countries in conjunction with the first World Asthma Meeting held in Barcelona, Spain. Participation has increased with each World Asthma Day held since then, and the day has become one of the world's most important asthma awareness and education events.

The theme of World Asthma Day 2005, “The Unmet Needs of Asthma”, is meant to call the attention of doctors and patients alike to the need for better asthma treatment and control. This theme builds on last year’s World Asthma Day theme of “The Burden of Asthma.” By recognizing and meeting the unmet needs of asthma, we can begin to reduce the burden of this disease.

We’d like to know what how the day is being celebrated in your country. Please email info@irccouncil.org with the details of how this day will be celebrated/was celebrated in your country.