Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a long-term, incapacitating respiratory disease that can make everyday life very difficult. The Global Burden of Disease Study for 2016 estimates that it affects 251 million people worldwide.
The main risk factors for COPD are tobacco smoking, indoor air pollution (such as biomass fuel used for cooking and heating), outdoor air pollution and occupational dusts and chemicals. COPD is currently the 4th leading cause of death worldwide, with around 90% of COPD deaths occurring in low and middle-income countries.
Improving access to primary healthcare, identification of cost-effective approaches for earlier detection, smoking cessation and pulmonary rehabilitation for people with COPD are part of the World Health Organization’s four global priorities for non-communicable diseases.
IPCRG works with clinicians, researchers and people with COPD to develop user-friendly resources for primary care clinicians education to improve COPD prevention, diagnosis and management and provide materials for use in primary care education. We also identify priorities where further research is needed and work with partners to take these forward.
