World Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Day is annually observed across the globe on the 3rd Wednesday of November to raise awareness, exchange knowledge, and explore strategies to reduce the impact of COPD.
- 23rd World COPD Day was observed on 20th November 2024.
- World COPD Day 2023 was observed on 15th November 2023.
- World COPD Day 2025 will be observed on 19th November 2025.
Theme:
The theme for World COPD Day 2024 is “Know Your Lung Function”
- The theme highlights the significance of spirometry, a straightforward and non-invasive test that assesses lung capacity and function.
Note: Each year, the theme is chosen by the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD).
Background:
i.World COPD Day is organised by GOLD, a member of the Forum of International Respiratory Societies (FIRS), in collaboration with international COPD patient groups and medical specialists.
- GOLD is a member of the Forum of International Respiratory Societies (FIRS).
ii.The 1st World COPD Day was observed on 20th November 2002.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD):
i.Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common lung disease causing restricted airflow and breathing problems.
- The two main forms of COPD are Chronic bronchitis and Emphysema.
- Symptoms: Breathlessness, persistent coughing, and fatigue.
ii.According to the World Health Organization (WHO) report, COPD ranks as the fourth leading cause of death globally and the eighth leading cause of poor health worldwide.
- It was responsible for 3.5 million fatalities in 2021, accounting for around 5% of all deaths worldwide.
- Over 90% of COPD-related deaths in individuals under 70 occur in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).
- Tobacco smoking causes over 70% of COPD cases in high-income countries, while in LMICs, it causes 30–40%, with household air pollution being another major risk factor.
iii.COPD is included in the WHO Global Action Plan for the Prevention and Control of Noncommunicable Diseases (NCDs) and the United Nations (UN’s) 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).
About the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD):
Managing Director(MD) and Chair – Alvar G. Agusti
Headquarters – Fontana, Wisconsin, the United States of America (USA)
Established – 1997
