GACO at a Glance
Who We Are
Global Asthma and COPD Outreach, Inc. (GACO) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization established in 2025 dedicated to reducing the global burden of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) through education, advocacy, community empowerment, and improved access to respiratory health resources.
GACO focuses especially on underserved communities, including those in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where gaps in respiratory health awareness, early diagnosis, treatment access, and resources continue to contribute to preventable illness and death.
Through community outreach, digital health education, capacity building, research, and partnerships, GACO works to empower individuals, families, healthcare professionals, and communities with the knowledge and tools needed to better understand, prevent, and manage respiratory diseases.
Our vision is simple: Renew Breathing—helping individuals and communities gain the knowledge, support, and resources needed to breathe better and live healthier lives.
Our Story
Asthma and COPD are among the leading causes of illness and death worldwide, yet many individuals continue to face barriers to awareness, diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing support.
In many underserved communities, respiratory symptoms are misunderstood, chronic lung diseases remain underrecognized, and individuals often lack access to the education and resources needed to effectively manage their conditions.
Global Asthma and COPD Outreach (GACO) was created to bridge the gap between respiratory health knowledge and the communities that need it most.
Through culturally appropriate education, community partnerships, digital learning, and advocacy, GACO works to empower individuals, caregivers, healthcare professionals, and communities to recognize respiratory disease, improve self-management, and advocate for better respiratory health.
We believe that the ability to breathe freely should not depend on geography, income, or access to resources.
Dr. Ngozi N. Ibe, DHSc, MSRT, RRT
Dr. Ngozi Ibe is a respiratory therapist, educator, researcher, and respiratory health advocate with over 12 years of experience caring for individuals living with asthma and COPD.
Her commitment to improving respiratory health outcomes grew from both her professional experiences in respiratory care and her personal experiences witnessing healthcare inequities in Nigeria and underserved communities in the United States.
Through clinical care, community education, advocacy, and global health initiatives, Dr. Ibe recognized the need to address gaps in respiratory health awareness, access to care, and community support.
This vision led to the creation of GACO—a global initiative dedicated to empowering communities through education, advocacy, capacity building, and sustainable respiratory health solutions.
Read More About Our Founder and LeadershipOur Mission & Vision
Our Mission
To improve the lives of individuals affected by asthma and COPD through education, advocacy, community empowerment, partnerships, and improved access to respiratory health resources.
Our Vision
Renew BreathingA world where everyone has the knowledge, resources, and support needed to breathe better and live healthier lives.
Our Core Values: BREATH
Belonging
We believe that everyone, regardless of geography or socioeconomic status, should feel seen, supported, and included in the global effort to breathe freely.
Respect
We treat every person, community, and partner with dignity while honoring their experiences, culture, and knowledge.
Education
We empower individuals and communities with the information they need to prevent, manage, and overcome asthma and COPD.
Access
We work to remove barriers so that care, medication, and support are available to all, especially in low- and middle-income countries and underserved communities.
Trust
We build relationships through transparency, accountability, and integrity, ensuring that our work is grounded in ethical practice and local partnership.
Hope
We strive to restore hope through every breath renewed, every life improved, and every community strengthened.
What Makes GACO Different
Community-Centered Approach
We bring respiratory health education directly to communities through outreach programs, schools, faith-based organizations, and local partnerships.
Respiratory Health Expertise
Our programs are guided by respiratory health professionals and trained volunteers committed to evidence-based respiratory health education.
Global and Multilingual Reach
We recognize that language, culture, and local context matter. GACO works to make respiratory health education accessible across diverse communities.
Sustainable Solutions
We focus on strengthening local capacity through volunteer training, partnerships, education, and community-led solutions that create lasting impact.
Our Global Network
GACO is building a global network of volunteers, healthcare professionals, and partners committed to improving respiratory health in underserved communities, with a particular focus on low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).
Through active outreach programs, digital education initiatives, and capacity building, GACO continues to expand its reach and renew breathing across communities.
Our Team
GACO is guided by a team of respiratory health professionals, educators, advocates, and volunteers committed to advancing lung health equity.
Our leadership team brings together expertise in respiratory care, public health, education, advocacy, research, and community engagement.
Meet Our Team
