Asthma is a serious public health problem throughout the world, affecting people of all ages. When uncontrolled, asthma can place severe limits on daily life, and is sometimes fatal. In 1993, the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) was formed. Its goals and objectives were described in a 1995 NHLBI/WHO Workshop Report, Global Strategy for Asthma Management and Prevention. This Report (revised in 2002), and its companion documents, have been widely distributed and translated into many languages. A network of individuals and organizations interested in asthma care has been created and several country-specific asthma management programs have been initiated. Yet much work is still required to reduce morbidity and mortality from this chronic disease. In January.
