What does "World COPD Day" relate to?

COPD stands for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. "World COPD Day" is an annual campaign run by the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases (GOLD), members of the Forum of International Respiratory Societies (FIRS) to raise awareness and present new knowledge and therapeutic strategies for COPD worldwide. COPD is a preventable and treatable disease that causes breathlessness, chronic sputum production and cough. There are 300 million current cases of COPD in the world, and it is currently the third cause of death globally and highly prevalent in low resource countries. Exposure to tobacco smoke and other inhaled toxic particles and gases are the main risk factors for COPD, although recent research has identified that suboptimal lung growth before and after birth can also increase the risk of COPD later in life.

"World COPD Day" is observed on the third Wednesday of November every year. "World COPD DAY 2021" is taking place on 17 November, has the theme "Healthy Lungs - Never More Important" and emphasizes the importance of staying active, keeping appointments with healthcare providers, reducing exposures, maintaining good nutrition, and taking COVID-19 precautions. The first "World COPD Day" was held in 2002. Each year organizers in more than 50 countries have carried out activities, making the day one of the world's most important COPD awareness and education events.