Pace Center for Global Health
Elevating Chronic Respiratory Diseases in the global political agenda
Each year, Chronic Respiratory Diseases (CRDs) claim over 3.5 million lives while impacting half a billion more. The Pace Center for Global Health is dedicated to changing this reality for the better through innovative research, world-class education, and global partnerships.
Bringing Underreported Conditions Out of the Shadows
From training tomorrow’s leaders to shaping today’s policies, the Pace Center for Global Health is going beyond awareness alone. Through a concerted effort, asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) will no longer be sidelined in policy discussions and mainstream media coverage.
Why Our Work Matters
Despite their staggering impact, CRDs are underfunded in research and misunderstood by the masses. Their lack of visibility hampers political commitment and slows the development of innovative treatments.
With the 2025 United Nations High-Level Meeting on Non-Communicable Diseases (UN HLM) fast approaching, the time is now to champion for real solutions such as improved legislation, targeted funding, and better clinical care.
United By a Shared Mission
Our mission is to improve global health and raise awareness of CRDs through education, research, media partnerships, and policy initiatives. Together, we will transform students into innovators, public health leaders, and health diplomats focused on solving global health challenges.
José Luis Castro
The Pace Center for Global Health is led by Mr. José Luis Castro, the WHO Director-General Special Envoy for Chronic Respiratory Diseases. As a Visiting Scholar in the Departments of Biology and Psychology, Mr. Castro brings an invaluable perspective rooted in real and sustainable change on the global stage.
Dr. Sonia Suchday
Dr. Sonia Suchday, University Director of Research and Graduate Education and Professor of Psychology, is Director of Operations at the Center.
Our Approach
Drive Effective Media Coverage
With the financial support of partners such as Sanofi, we are launching a five-year CRD Journalism Fellows to train journalists on effective CRD coverage. These efforts are part of a long-term plan to drive public awareness and keep leaders accountable.
Mobilize Policymakers
By engaging with Parliamentary Health Committee chairs, WHO leaders, and UN officials, we plan to address the root cause of CRDs through clean air initiatives, workplace protections, taxation on unhealthy products, and beyond.
Reshape the Global Narrative
Through a combined effort that leverages social media, multimedia content, and data analytics, we aim to deliver an informative and relatable message that cultivates a deeper understanding of CRDs worldwide.
Get Involved
Whether you are a student seeking hands-on global health experience, a policymaker aiming to develop effective healthcare strategies, or a donor passionate about driving scientific breakthroughs, the Pace Center for Global Health welcomes you.
Together, we can elevate respiratory health on the global political agenda and create lasting change for those affected by COPD, asthma, and other CRDs.
Join us as we transform the future of respiratory care.
