Voices Against Tobacco (VAT), an initiative of Indus Hospital & Health Network (IHHN), commemorated World Lung Day this week by hosting a friendly football match with partners Karachi United and Kiran Foundation. World Lung Day is commemorated each year to bring attention to the several factors that affect lung health and how to address them. On this day, VAT brings together partners and stakeholders from different industries and communities to showcase how lung health impacts everyone.
The event kicked off with lung health patient, Gulshan, initiating the match with the first kick. When Gulshan first visited Indus Hospital and Health Network, she used a wheelchair and oxygen support on a daily basis. Yet today, she was able to walk onto the field and start the match. Later in the event, she bravely shared her personal journey, illustrating the significant impact that the pulmonary rehabilitation program at Indus had on her life.
“Being here today means the world to me. Living with a lung condition has been a journey of challenges, but thanks to the incredible care and support I received from Indus Hospital and Health Network, I am here, standing strong,” Gulshan emotionally shared.
Gulshan’s moving testimony underscored the importance of access to prevention and treatment, which is the theme for this year’s World Lung Day. Especially in low- and middle-income countries such as Pakistan, where mortality from non-communicable diseases is highest, early access to diagnostics and holistic care is imperative for individuals facing lung health challenges.
Also in attendance were representatives of IHHN, including Dr. Abdul Bari Khan, President of IHHN, and Dr. Saima Saeed, Director of the IHHN Lung Health Program, as well as Karachi United founder Taha Alizai and members of Kiran Foundation.
“The collaboration between VAT, Karachi United, and Kiran Foundation exemplifies the collective commitment to foster a healthier community,” said Dr. Abdul Bari Khan. “Through events and activities like this, the partners aim to inspire individuals to take proactive steps towards maintaining optimal lung health and to support those affected by lung conditions.”
VAT has also partnered with Kiran Foundation, signing the MoU this year. Kiran Foundation is a non-profit organization, initiated in 2006 and provides transformational education and holistic support in marginalized communities. VAT conducted several student sensitization sessions with youth from a wide array of backgrounds, allowing for a greater reach of the anti-tobacco cause.
“Efforts to improve lung health must include the medical and public health community, civil society organizations, youth groups, academic institutions, and policymakers,” said Dr. Saima Saeed. “By working with partners such as Karachi United and Kiran Foundation, we can empower communities to prioritize improved air quality, reduce tobacco use and increase exercise to promote better lung health.”
“Strong lung health is essential for all individuals, and is especially important for young athletes, as their health directly affects their ability to perform,” said Taha Alizai. “For this reason, we are proud to partner with VAT and IHHN to bring awareness to this cause.”
The Lung Health program at IHHN used VAT to emphasize the importance of tobacco control policies, most recently through a petition to ban the sale of all novel tobacco and nicotine products. They have garnered over 8500 signatures. Lung Health has also integrated spirometry diagnostics into primary care and had more than 9,300 referrals across the network. Over 200 breathless patients with lung disease such as Gulshan have benefited from the multidisciplinary pulmonary rehabilitation program at the hospital.
