Asthma is a major cause of chronic morbidity and mortality throughout the world and there is evidence that its prevalence has increased considerably
over the past 20 years, especially in children. The Global Initiative for Asthma was created to increase awareness of asthma among health professionals, public health authorities, and the general public, and to improve prevention and management through a concerted worldwide effort. The Initiative prepares scientific reports on asthma, encourages dissemination and implementation of the recommendations, and promotes international collaboration on asthma research.