Health Equity and Respiratory Diseases in Low- and Middle-Income Countries

Over 80% of the morbidity and mortality related to acute and chronic respiratory diseases occur in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), a reflection of vast disparities in care for these conditions. Over the next decade, the prevalence of respiratory diseases is expected to increase, as population growth in LMICs exceeds high-income countries (HICs). Pediatric morbidity and mortality from lower respiratory tract infections and asthma occur almost exclusively in LMICs, contributing to a greater loss of quality adjusted life years from these conditions when compared with HICs.