World COPD Day is organized by the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) in collaboration with health care professionals and COPD patient groups throughout the world. Its aim is to raise awareness about chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and improve COPD care throughout the world
Each year GOLD chooses a theme and coordinates preparation and distribution of World COPD Day materials and resources. World COPD Day activities are organized in each country by health care professionals, educators, and members of the public who want to help reduce the burden of COPD.
The first World COPD Day was held in 2002. Each year organizers in more than 50 countries worldwide have carried out activities, making the day one of the world's most important COPD awareness and education events.
World COPD Day 2011
World COPD Day 2011 will take place on Wednesday, November 16 around the theme “Are you short of breath? You may have COPD! Ask your doctor about a simple breathing test called spirometry.” This positive message was chosen to raise awareness of spirometry as the gold standard for diagnosis of COPD, and emphasize the actions a person can take to safeguard his or her lung health.
As always, you can visit our World COPD in Your Country page to read about all the activities that are planned in your area and around the world.
Mark Your Calendar
World COPD Day takes place each year on the second or third Wednesday in November.
World COPD Day 2012: November 14
World COPD Day 2013: November 20
WCD History
Read about the themes and activities of past World COPD Days.
