‘Silent assassin’ caused more than 3 million deaths per year

The World Health Organization (WHO) said that this is a non -communicable disease but is often overlooked, although affecting more than 380 million people around the globe. COPD is the 4th cause of death in the world. However, the disease is rarely mentioned in global health discussions, despite the serious consequences for patients and families.

COPD is a progressive lung condition that makes it difficult for patients to breathe, causing symptoms such as coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath. The main culprit causing COPD is cigarettes and air pollution. Smoking damages airway and lung tissue, leading to inflammation and reduced airflow.

Similarly, exposure to pollutants, such as vehicle emissions and industrial smoke, can impair lung function over time. For patients, living with COPD creates many difficulties, affecting the daily activities and the quality of life.

However, if treated properly and changing lifestyle, lung function is improved, the patient will feel more comfortable, WHO said.

Although COPD is a common disease, patients still have difficulty access to health care services. The cost problem is also a barrier, especially in low and medium -income countries, where 85% of COPD deaths occur. WHO thinks this needs to change.

“We encourage the integration of COPD diagnosis and treatment into the original health care system, an important step to reverse this trend. For many people around the world, especially in low -income countries, initial health care is their only contact with the health system,” WHO said.

Organizing the proposal of governments to bring COPD control into the original health care system and the entire people’s health insurance packages.

The US and Canada presented a comprehensive guide and public health initiative to improve COPD treatment. The United Kingdom and Spain focused on early detection and reduced risk factors such as smoking. Meanwhile, India and Brazil, facing a high burden of illness, is integrating COPD into wider public health strategies, resolving environmental and lifestyle factors.

China’s recent decision to put COPD into the national basic public health service program marks an important political commitment to patient care. This country has nearly 100 million people infected.

In the areas of Africa, awareness about the disease is increasing. Some areas began to put COPD into public health strategy. Officials began to realize the importance of air pollution and smoking, which were risk factors for pathogens.

WHO said that this effort reflects the global commitment in solving COPD, improving the quality of life and reducing stress caused by this common disease.

“Our message is very clear: COPD needs urgent attention like other non -communicable diseases. National leaders should prioritize the prevention and care of COPD for everyone,” said the representative of the United Nations Health Agency.