Chronic respiratory diseases — pilot project in Alentejo

31.3.2017

Question for written answer E-002404-17
to the Commission
Rule 130
Nuno Melo (PPE)

— Hundreds of millions of people of all ages (from childhood to old age) all over the world suffer from preventable chronic respiratory diseases and respiratory allergies.— Chronic respiratory diseases cause four million deaths a year.— A pilot project being carried out in Évora District, in Portugal, is exploring early diagnosis and monitoring of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma.— In this project, which is focusing on spirometry in primary healthcare, spirometry tests (which measure lung function) are performed with a view to diagnosing conditions and monitoring users, chiefly those who have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or bronchial asthma.— Early diagnosis of these diseases, as part of primary healthcare, makes it possible to improve quality of life for users, reduce the frequency and seriousness of exacerbations, and lower the associated mortality and morbidity rates.

Is the Commission aware of the above project? If so, what is its assessment?

Bearing in mind that chronic respiratory diseases cause four million deaths a year, does the Commission have any European funding that could be used to finance projects of this kind?