The mortality rate is 180,000 annually and the economic cost is estimated to be around 17,000 million euros annually with a productivity loss at about 9,800 million euros each year.
In Spain, following recent studies, more than 50% of the asthmatics are not diagnosed and 26% don't receive treatment. In our Canary Archipelago, the prevalence is greater than in the peninsula by 15% with respect to 11% for its subtropical situation and genetic factors.
The International Association of Asthmology (INTERASMA) was founded in 1954 in Milan with the objective of unifying diagnostic criteria, therapies and preventions against Asthma. Dedicated to the post-graduate training of General Practitioners and Pediatrics, these meetings are a point of departure to launch national activities in each region.
It has been an honor and a privilege for us to be approved by the Board of INTERASMA to celebrate our "Annual Meeting Western Europe Chapter" scheduled for the 22-25 of September, 2009 in Gran Canary, Canary Islands, Spain.
This congress is going to be characterized by the updating of the treatment of Asthma, the participation of all the doctors that are involved in this pathology, Pulmonologists, Allergists, Pediatricians, General Practitioners, ect. and the education of the asthma patient where we will have three Open Door Sessions available.
We have chosen as our slogan for our Congress "Global Warming and Asthma" given the repercussion that the climate change has had in our pathology and for the actual world preoccupation.
Our island, Gran Canary, is a continent in miniature for its geographic contrasts with an average yearly temperature of 25ºC. Our Hotel Costa Meloneras is situated on the magnificent Maspalomas beach and our Palacio de Congresos is five minutes walking distance from the Hotel.
We look forward to your participation in our INTERASMA09 Congress on the 22-25 of SEPTEMBER, MASPALOMAS and we hope that you enjoy you stay on the marvelous island of Gran Canary. You may find all of the information you need on our webpage.