On April 25, 2025, Marseille hosted an exceptional event with the Tour de France Itinér’Air, dedicated to assessing respiratory issues. Passersby at the Old Port had the opportunity to benefit from free screenings focused on diseases such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Thanks to this initiative, the general public was able to quickly test their respiratory capacity without an appointment.
A screening accessible to all
The Quai des Belges, emblematic of Marseille, was the venue for this unprecedented operation. Equipped with connected spirometers, the organizers allowed Marseillais and tourists to measure their breath. This direct access to quality screening generated a lot of interest among passersby. Such actions help raise awareness of the risks associated with respiratory diseases, especially in a context where air pollution is a public health issue.
The stakes of screening
Michel Escande, organizer of the event, emphasized the importance of this stop in Marseille. With approximately 13% of the French population affected by asthma and COPD, the initiative aims to reduce the lack of awareness about these diseases among the general public. General medicine, represented by Dr. Magali Kamga, also participated in the campaign by explaining the benefits of early screening. By attending the event, participants were able to confront reliable and useful information to better understand their respiratory health.
An initiative led by Chiesi France
This Tour de France Itinér’Air, initiated by the pharmaceutical laboratory Chiesi France, marks a turning point in raising awareness about chronic diseases. Through this approach, the goal is to create a positive dynamic around respiratory health. By providing a simple and effective screening tool, Chiesi France is committed to combating the ignorance surrounding respiratory pathologies. This initiative also rekindled interest in public health issues in Marseille, a city particularly exposed to pollution problems.
Next steps of the Tour de France
After this Marseillais stop, the Tour de France Itinér’Air will head to Besançon on May 13. This event in the heart of France aims to involve other cities in this fight against respiratory diseases. Each stop represents a new opportunity for citizens to connect with their health and perform a quick check-up of their respiratory function.
Thus, Marseille has taken a significant step toward better management of respiratory health. By offering accessible and appointment-free screening, the municipality provides a tailored response to public health challenges. Events like this strengthen collective awareness about the importance of respiratory system health, particularly in a region like this one, where climate and pollution play a major role in respiratory pathologies. Marseillais, by visiting the Old Port, were able to benefit from a much-needed information moment, as well as a gesture towards better hygiene. A mobilization that should not be limited to a single day, but should be part of a long-term health education approach, so that every citizen can take charge of their respiratory health and act for their quality of life. It is clear that with more initiatives of this type, Marseille can become a model for prevention and awareness in public health. The collaboration between healthcare professionals and local stakeholders proves essential to ensuring sustainable and responsible health for all, in a city where the air we breathe is a multifaceted issue.
