Every year, more than three million people die from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a non-communicable disease (NCD) that is too often neglected even though it affects more than 380 million people worldwide.
COPD, the fourth leading cause of death worldwide, has been largely absent from global health conversations, despite its devastating consequences for patients and families. But we can no longer ignore it.
COPD is a progressive lung condition that makes breathing difficult, causing symptoms such as coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath. Smoking and air pollution are the main factors causing COPD. Smoking damages the airways and lung tissue, leading to inflammation and reduced airflow. Likewise, exposure to pollutants, such as vehicle emissions and industrial fumes, can worsen lung function over time. Living with this condition can be difficult for patients, as it impacts their daily activities and overall quality of life. However, with proper management and lifestyle changes, many people can find relief and improve their lung health.
Despite the prevalence of COPD, access to affordable care remains limited, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where 85% of deaths from the disease occur. This has to change.
At the World Health Organization (WHO), we encourage the integration of COPD diagnosis and treatment into primary health care systems, which is a crucial step in reversing this trend. For many people around the world, particularly in poorer countries, primary care is their only point of contact with the health system. When governments integrate the fight against COPD into primary health care systems and universal health coverage programs, we can make a significant difference in the lives of millions of people around the world.
Countries around the world are increasingly recognizing the burden of COPD and including it in their national health priorities.
In the United States and Canada, comprehensive guidelines and public health initiatives aim to improve COPD management and patient outcomes. The UK and Spain emphasize early detection and reduction of risk factors such as smoking. While India and Brazil, which face a high disease burden, are integrating COPD into broader public health strategies, addressing environmental and lifestyle factors.
China’s recent decision to include COPD in its national basic public health service program marks a significant policy commitment to care for patients with the disease, including nearly 100 million in China.
In certain regions of Africa, there is growing awareness; indeed, some regions are starting to include COPD in their public health strategies. South Africa is making progress on respiratory health, including COPD control, within its public health framework. Other countries are beginning to recognize the importance of air pollution and smoking as risk factors.
These efforts reflect a growing global commitment to combat COPD, improve quality of life and reduce the burden caused by this prevalent disease. As awareness increases, we expect more countries to include COPD in their national health strategies, to reduce the impact on communities.
Other effective policy tools and evidence-based technical packages are available to countries to prevent the scourge of this condition. Implementing the WHO-recommended MPOWER package, particularly through effective tobacco taxes and tobacco-free spaces, could prevent more than 1 million deaths due to COPD each year. COPD treatment is also considered the best choice, a series of interventions that can help countries achieve the Sustainable Development Goal of reducing premature mortality from NCDs by one third.
Prioritizing WHO strategies to protect people from air pollution will also go a long way to improving the situation. Air pollution is responsible for seven million deaths per year and exacerbates respiratory diseases. Implementing WHO recommendations on enforcing strict air quality standards, promoting clean energy sources and investing in public transport and active transport options like cycling and walking could significantly reduce the burden of COPD and create healthier environments for all.
Our message today is clear: COPD needs urgent attention, along with other NCDs, and national leaders must prioritize making COPD prevention and care accessible to all. all.
Let’s act now against COPD. By prioritizing the fight against this silent killer, we can extend lives, improve quality of life and create healthier communities around the world. Together we can breathe better!
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