World Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease(COPD) Day is annually observed across the globe on the 3rd Wednesday of November to raise awareness about COPD, one the most widespread illnesses across the world.
- The day also aims to share knowledge, and discuss ways to reduce the burden of COPD worldwide.
The 2021 World COPD day which falls on 17th November 2021 is the 20th edition of World COPD day.
- The 2020 World COPD day was observed on 18th November 2021.
- The 2022 World COPD day will be observed on 16th November 2022
The theme of 2021 World COPD Day is “Healthy Lungs: Never More Important”.
Background:
i.World COPD Day was initiated and first observed in 2002.
ii.World COPD Day is organized by the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) in collaboration with healthcare professionals and COPD patient groups across the globe.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD):
i.Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD) is a long term condition that causes obstructed airflow from the lungs. It is a common, preventable, and treatable chronic lung disease.
ii.The symptoms of COPD include breathing difficulties, cough, mucus (sputum) production and wheezing.
Key Points:
i.According to the World Health Organisation(WHO), COPD is the 3rd leading cause of death, which has caused around 3.23 million deaths in 2019 and 80% of the death occurred in low and middle income countries.
ii.More than 210 million people across the globe suffer from COPD.