Chronic respiratory diseases(CRDs), including asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pose a significant global health challenge. COPD is the third leading cause of death globally, causing 3.2 million deaths in 2019, while 0.5 million people died from asthma. Approximately half a billion people live with chronic respiratory diseases (CRDs) across the globe. Addressing CRD-related morbidity and mortality is critical to progress towards the global targets for noncommunicable diseases in the WHO Global Action Plan for the Prevention and Control of Noncommunicable Diseases (2013-2030) and 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Exposure to tobacco smoke, including second-hand smoke, is one of the most important risk factors for CRDs, exacerbating symptoms and accelerating disease progression. Despite ongoing efforts to address tobacco use and CRD, challenges persist. These include limited awareness among healthcare professionals regarding the tobacco-CRD link, insufficient integration of tobacco cessation services into respiratory care settings, and challenges in implementing comprehensive tobacco control policies.

In response, WHO will launch the Tobacco Knowledge Summaries on asthma and COPD during the webinar. The webinar aims to raise awareness of the tobacco-CRD link and highlight evidence-based strategies and best practices for the early diagnosis, treatment and management of tobacco-related CRD. By bringing together health experts and stakeholders in the field, the webinar seeks to mobilize action and advocacy efforts toward reducing the burden of CRD associated with tobacco use