In-Person Education

Empowering communities through direct engagement and hands-on training.

What we do:

• Conduct community-based asthma and COPD education workshops.
• Organize school and workshop outreach sessions.
• Train community health workers and local clinicians.
• Distribute culturally appropriate printed materials.
• Raise awareness about early symtom recognition and emergency response.

Impact Highlights:

• GACO Health Education Leaders work within local communities to identify knowledge gaps and deliver training tailored to cultural and regional needs.
• In future efforts, we plan to expand these programs through local partnerships in schools, faith- based groups, and rural health centers.

Virtual Training

Bridging the gap through accessible digital tools, regardless of geography.

What we do:

• Offer virtual education on asthma and COPD either in a group or one-on-one setting, depending on the needs of the audience or individual.
• Offer digital toolkits, videos, and infographics on asthma and COPD management.
• Run virtual Q&A sessions with global health experts.
• Maintain an online library of resources for continued learning.
• Use mobile-optimized platforms to reach communities with limited access to health education.

Real World Impact:

In Ghana, GACO, in collaboration with ARCA, hosted a virtual asthma education session for elementary school teachers to help them identify early signs of asthma in children. This training empowers educators to respond quickly to symptoms, reduce stigma, and support students with chronic respiratory conditions, right in the classroom.

Advocacy

Raising our voice to change systems, reduce stigma, and build healthier futures.

What we do:

• Launch awareness campaigns during World Asthma Day, COPD Awareness Month, and other key dates.
• Advocate for national and international policies that promote affordable respiratory care.
• Develop culturally sensitive, anti-stigma public messaging.
• Collaborate with governments, NGOs, and coalitions to push for improved health access and research funding.

Future Focus:

• We are developing advocacy toolkits that empower patients and caregivers to speak out for their rights and needs.
• GACO is building partnerships to influence respiratory health priorities in global health agendas.

GACO Board member (Betty), and supporter (Nina) advocating on Capitol Hill for better respiratory care (SOAR ACT).

Access to Care

We work to remove barriers and connect people with the support and treatment they need.

What we do:

• Strengthen referral systems and community-clinic connections.
• Support early screening and diagnosis initiatives.
• Provide clinics and providers with educational and clinical tools.
• Encourage the use of telehealth and remote monitoring in underserved areas.
• Help ensure asthma/COPD medications are available and affordable.

Future Initiative:

GACO is actively exploring funding opportunities to sponsor part or all of the cost of inhalers for individuals who need them but cannot afford them. Once funding is secured, this initiative will directly support access to life-saving treatment for the most vulnerable.