Respiratory Infectious Diseases Program

The RID group was established in 1998 and assists the Lung Foundation to improve prevention, management and community awareness of respiratory infectious disease.

A Case Statement was developed in 2007 which integrates relevant information across the breadth of respiratory medicine in Australia and makes an evidence based case for Respiratory Infectious Disease to be identified as a major Health Priority for Australia.

Both the Lung Foundation and Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand are committed to reducing the large burden of disease and impact of Respiratory Infectious Disease. It is a challenge that will require a collaborative effort from the community, research institutions, health professionals, government and other stakeholders. In order to influence health outcomes, the effort to combat Respiratory Infectious Disease will have to be sustained and it will likely be costly. However the costs of inaction, both individually and for the community, mandate this concerted approach.

The Lung Foundation’s Respiratory Infectious Disease initiatives warrant our serious attention. We strongly encourage you to support the Lung Foundation’s Respiratory Infectious Disease initiatives and commend to you this first edition of the Respiratory Infectious Disease Burden in Australia case statement.