• doing what is shown by evidence to be effective;
• testing strategies on which there is currently consensus but no hard evidence;
• establishing standards of management and practice; and
• finding out more about interventions that will make a difference.

The table provides an overview of current, planned and needed asthma activities, relevant to the sixteen high-priority strategies.  It covers national, state and local level activities to illustrate the serious attempts being made to combat asthma.

The table, however, makes no claim to list all relevant current, planned and needed activities, but aims to provide a comprehensive picture of asthma activities, many of which rely on intensive voluntary commitment.  Indicative timelines have been provided but these should be regarded as a guide only.

The many activities listed should not create a false picture of progress.  Many planned or needed activities may need funding.  These are indicated in bold type.  As asthma prevalence increases, more effective, wide-reaching strategies will need to be implemented to ensure optimal asthma management outcomes.

If available, baseline information and indicators have been provided for strategies to assist with planning for monitoring and evaluation.

Content Updated 1999