Introduction

World COPD Day is a global movement led by the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) to shine a light on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This year, the theme “Know Your Lung Function” invites everyone to dive deeper into understanding their respiratory health.

By emphasizing the critical role of lung function measurement, especially through spirometry, this theme highlights not just how we can diagnose COPD but also how we can keep tabs on our lung health throughout our lives. It’s a call to action for everyone to take charge of their lung health, promoting awareness and encouraging proactive management.

Understanding COPD

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a preventable and treatable condition characterized by persistent respiratory symptoms such as breathlessness, chronic cough, and sputum production. It ranks among the leading causes of mortality worldwide, attributing to an estimated 3.23 million deaths in 2019.

What is especially concerning is that nearly 90% of COPD-related deaths among individuals under 70 occur in the Global South. This high mortality rate is exacerbated by limited access to healthcare and diagnostic facilities in these regions.

Impact of COPD in the Global South

In the Global South, COPD imposes a substantial health and economic burden. The high prevalence of COPD in these regions is often linked to specific factors such as indoor air pollution from cooking with biomass fuels, limited access to advanced healthcare services, and significant tobacco usage.

These factors not only impact individual health but also place a considerable financial strain on these communities, leading to reduced productivity and higher healthcare expenditures. Combating COPD in the Global South necessitates a comprehensive strategy focusing on prevention, early detection, and effective treatment.

Chiesi Foundation’s Mission

At the Chiesi Foundation, we are devoted to enhancing respiratory health, particularly within the most vulnerable populations in the Global South. Our Global Access to Spirometry Project (GASP) is a pivotal initiative aimed at improving the diagnosis and management of chronic respiratory diseases, including COPD, in countries such as Guyana, Nepal, and Peru.

The GASP

The GASP is dedicated to building local capacity for spirometry, ensuring that healthcare professionals are equipped with the necessary skills to accurately diagnose and manage COPD and other chronic respiratory disorders.

By establishing local spirometry labs and facilitating robust education and self-management programs, the project seeks to move away from an acute care model to a proactive, preventive approach. This transition not only enhances patient outcomes but also alleviates the pressure on healthcare infrastructures.

Our Work in Guyana, Nepal, and Peru

In the Cusco region of Peru, the Chiesi Foundation has initiated a partnership with SEPAR Solidaria, the international cooperation arm of the Sociedad Española de Neumología y Cirugía Torácica. This collaboration is aimed at enhancing the competencies of healthcare personnel at Policlinico Santa Rita and the primary hospitals in Cusco.

In Guyana, at Georgetown Hospital, the Foundation has focused on strengthening diagnostic and follow-up services for patients with asthma and COPD, with outreach extending into the community.

In Nepal, the city of Bhaktapur sees a new partnership with Johns Hopkins University to execute a screening program for chronic respiratory diseases among workers in brick production. Nepal, identified by the World Health Organization as having a high prevalence of COPD, is a critical area for this initiative.

Spreading COPD Day’s message

World COPD Day serves as a crucial occasion to elevate awareness about COPD and emphasize the urgent need for early diagnosis, prevention, and comprehensive treatment strategies.

The Chiesi Foundation remains steadfast in its commitment to improving respiratory health and alleviating the burden of COPD in the Global South through transformative projects like GASP. Join us in our mission to build a future where everyone can breathe easier and enjoy a healthier life.

Further readings

If you want to know more about chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, visit the dedicated page of the World Health Organization (WHO) website.