Welcome to this episode of the Passion for Patients podcast! Today, we're turning the tables as Kristen Willard, Vice President of Education, steps in as host to interview our usual host, Tonya Winders—President and CEO of GAAPP, the Global Allergy and Airways Patient Platform.

In this dynamic conversation, Tonya and Willard dive deep into the vital advocacy work happening on a global scale, focusing on key health policy resolutions coming before the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations in 2025. Together, they break down complex topics like the fight for greater recognition and resources for lung health, skin disease, and rare diseases, exploring why these resolutions matter and what they mean for patient communities worldwide. Plus, you'll learn about practical ways listeners and member organizations can get involved and help drive meaningful change. Welcome to Passion for Patients. Stay tuned for an inspiring and actionable look behind the scenes of global health policy advocacy!

A few key takeaways every patient advocate and healthcare professional should note:

🔹 Policy as a Catalyst: For the first time, integrated resolutions for lung health, skin disease, and rare disease are poised for a vote at the World Health Assembly—opening doors for vital resources, research, and action at a global level.

🔹 Personal Involvement Matters: Your signature, your letter, and your social post can directly influence global policy. GAAPP and Global Skin have made it simple to participate—download a letter or sign a petition in under 10 minutes to show support.

🔹 Implementation is Coming: After the vote at WHO in May, all focus will shift to the United Nations General Assembly in September, where member states will be called upon to turn resolutions into real-world investments and improvements for patients worldwide. Now is the time for all of us—advocates, patients, clinicians, and organizations—to raise our voices and drive change.

💻 Learn more and get involved:

GAAPP.org/lunghealthresolution

Global Skin resources for skin disease advocacy

Let’s make this a turning point for under-recognized diseases. Your action today can change lives for generations to come!

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