World COPD Day

Every year, World COPD Day — held on the third Wednesday of November — brings together health professionals, patient groups, and members of the public to shine a light on Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). This global observance encourages awareness of its causes, promotes early diagnosis and supports better management of the condition so fewer people suffer unnecessarily. ¹

History of World COPD Day

The day was first organized in 2002 by the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) in collaboration with healthcare professionals and patient groups.
Since then it has been observed annually in more than 50 countries, with each year featuring a specific theme that focuses global attention on the burden of COPD, its risk factors, and the need for better lung health.

Why is World COPD Day important?

COPD is a common, preventable, and treatable but underdiagnosed lung condition that causes long-term breathing problems and is a leading cause of death worldwide.
World COPD Day serves to educate the public and healthcare community about early signs, encourages preventive action (such as quitting smoking and reducing air pollution exposure), and advocates for improved access to care and lung-function testing like spirometry.

• It raises awareness of COPD as a major global health issue.
• It highlights risk-factors such as smoking, pollution, and occupational exposures.
• It promotes the value of measuring lung function early.
• It encourages patients and health systems to take COPD seriously before severe symptoms emerge.
• It supports patients, caregivers, and professionals in advocating for better lung health and treatment options.

How to Observe World COPD Day

On World COPD Day, you can engage by learning about lung health, supporting awareness campaigns, encouraging lung-function screening, and promoting healthier environments. Many hospitals, lung-health organizations, and community groups host events, free lung tests and information sessions.
Emotionally, the day is an opportunity to show solidarity with people living with COPD, to recognize the challenges they face, and to commit to actions (personal or collective) that support breathing easier.

• Share reliable information about COPD on social media and local networks.
• Encourage someone who smokes or has persistent breathlessness to seek a lung check.
• Support or volunteer with lung-health organizations and campaigns.
• Promote clean-air initiatives or workplace protections against airborne hazards.
• Reflect on your own lung-health habits and encourage healthier choices (e.g., avoid smoking, minimize exposure to pollutants).

World COPD Day Dates Table

1. https://goldcopd.org/world-copd-day-2024/[↩]