Country corner: 1st Latin American Forum on Right Care for Asthma and COPD in Primary Health Care, Brazil
IPCRG will be running monthly spotlights to alert our network to good practice in our member countries and showcase the work of people in our network. This month, we are sharing a report from IPCRG colleague Mar Martínez Vázquez on a forum organised by our Brazilian group, GEPRAPS. The article describes the energy, insights and collaborative spirit of the event and highlights the strength of Brazil’s Primary Care system and the transformative impact of the Asthma Right Care and COPD Right Care programmes.
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Reflections and context
The 1st Latin American Forum on Right Care for Asthma and COPD in Primary Health Care 2025 took place from 31 October-1 November 2025 and marked an inspiring milestone in the journey toward more integrated, person-centred, and evidence-based respiratory care. It brought together colleagues from across Latin America, all sharing the same passion and commitment to advancing appropriate, equitable respiratory care.
Above all, the Forum showcased the strength and innovation of Brazil’s Primary Health Care system. Under the leadership of GEPRAPS, it successfully convened professionals from multiple disciplines — from primary and secondary care teams to researchers, physiotherapists, and patient representatives — fostering genuine collaboration and shared learning.
The strength of primary care and participant diversity
The Forum stood out for the remarkable diversity of its participants, which included pulmonologists, physiotherapists, representatives from the Ministry of Health, universities, and respiratory patient associations. This blend of perspectives enriched the dialogue between policy, research, education, and clinical practice — reinforcing the idea that appropriate care relies on coordinated, intersectoral collaboration.
IPCRG activities: Asthma Right Care and COPD Right Care as social movements for health
During the event, Pedro Fonte and Mar Martínez represented IPCRG in a one-hour plenary session, presenting our mission, vision, and values and describing highlighting our Asthma Right Care and COPD Right Care initiatives. They highlighted that these initiatives are more than educational programmes — they are social movements for health. By challenging assumptions, stimulating reflection, and promoting dialogue, these tools empower professionals and communities to think and act differently — toward care that is appropriate, empathetic, and aligned with patients’ real needs.
Practical workshops: shared learning and engagement
Pedro, supported by Juliana Franceschini and Valter Luís Costa, led a highly interactive COPD Right Care workshop. Participants explored the Question & Challenge Cards, reflecting on how communication styles shape diagnosis, adherence, and quality of care. A powerful role-play demonstrated a consultation using the COPD Wheel and emotional self-assessment cartoons showing how empathy and structured dialogue can enhance understanding and trust. At the same time, Mar, assisted by Sergio Zunino and Janaína Carla da Silva, facilitated a dynamic Asthma Right Care workshop with three practical stations. Attendees rotated through hands-on activities using the Asthma Slide Rule, Question & Challenge Cards, and Reliever Reliance Test, experiencing how these tools can enrich confidence and collaboration in real clinical settings.
As emphasised during the session, “Asthma Right Care resources challenge new ways of thinking, generating new behaviours that build trust and competence in asthma management.”
Education and professional development
The workshops demonstrated that Right Care tools are valuable not only in patient interactions but also as innovative educational resources for training healthcare professionals. By encouraging active learning and reflection, they help build confidence, critical thinking, and communication — key skills for behavioural change and stronger teamwork in primary care.
Partnerships and commitments
The Forum also strengthened partnerships and commitments. Pulmonologists pledged to work hand in hand with primary care teams, recognising that effective asthma and COPD management depends on early detection, continuity, and shared responsibility.
The Ministry of Health expressed great enthusiasm for supporting and expanding these initiatives, recognising their positive impact on respiratory care. Finally, it was confirmed that the 2nd Latin American Forum on Appropriate Care will take place in August 2027, during the Brazilian Congress of Asthma, COPD, and Smoking in Goiás — a meaningful legacy of this first event.
The success of the Forum reflects the strength of Primary Care in Brazil and GEPRAPS' leadership in promoting partnerships that truly transform care. When leadership, collaboration, science, and empathy come together, change becomes possible.