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 2009 took place on Wednesday, November 18. The theme of the event was "Breathless not Helpless!" This positive message emphasized that effective treatments are available to help people who have been diagnosed with COPD feel better and live more active lives, and raised awareness that breathlessness is not just an inevitable part of getting older. In addition to the "Breathless not Helpless!" theme, this year some organizers began to develop sub-themes such as Early Diagnosis, COPD and Women, COPD and Smoking, and Preventing Exacerbations. Others addressed the ongoing story of the H1N1 influenza virus, which, as a respiratory infection, has particular import for COPD patients.

See what activities took place on World COPD Day in your area.



Click here to view a slideshow of WCD 2009 activities