COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases) - global advocacy

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There are over 200 million people in the world living with COPD.

COPD is the third leading cause of death. In 2019, COPD caused 3.23 million deaths.

Nearly 90% of deaths in people aged <70 years occured in low- and middle-income countries.

WHO factsheet on COPD

The prevention and control of COPD is part of the global NCD agenda, included in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals

SDG target 3.4: By 2030, reduce by one third premature mortality from NCDs through prevention and treatment.

SDG target 3.8: Achive universal health coverage, including financial risk protection, access to quality essential health-care services and access to safe, effective, quality and affordable essential medicines and vaccines for all.

Access to diagnostic testing and inhaled medicines remains a challenge in many countries.

In 2021 WHO conducted a global survey to assess national capacity for the prevention and control on NCDs. For low- and middle-income countries:

• peak flow meters are available in 25% of countries;
• bronchodilator inhalers are available in 60% of countries;
• steroid inhalers are available in 40% of countries.

These essential resources for diagnosis and treatment must be available in primary health care, as part of universal health coverage. 

For more information on COPD, including resources, events and news items, please visit the Global Alliance Against Chronic Respiratory Diseases (GARD) community.

Click here to visit the GARD community