Approximately 212 million people are living with COPD and 262 million people are living with asthma.
COPD is the third leading cause of death globally, causing 3.2 million deaths in 2019.
Asthma deaths are less frequent but tend to occur in younger people and can be avoided. Half of all asthma deaths are "premature" - occuring in those aged below 70 years.
Risk factors such as exposure to tobacco smoke and air pollution cause new cases of CRDs and worsen existing disease.
Prematurity, low-birth weight and lung infections during childhood can all affect lung development and increase the risk of CRDs.
The United Nations Agenda for Sustainable Development calls for:
Target 3.4. By 2030, reduce by one third premature mortality from NCDs through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being
Target 3.8. Achieve universal health coverage, including financial risk protection, access to quality essential health-care services and access to safe, effective, quality and affordable essential medicines and vaccines for all
However, access to diagnostic testing and inhaled medicines remains a challenge in many countries.
In 2021 WHO conducted a global survey to assess national capacity for the prevention and control on NCDs. For low- and middle-income countries:
- peak flow meters are available in 25% of countries;
- bronchodilator inhalers are available in 60% of countries;
- steroid inhalers are available in 40% of countries.
These essential resources for diagnosis and treatment must be available in primary health care, as part of universal health coverage.
