The Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) is a non-profit organization started by the World Health Organization and the US National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute in 1997 to improve care for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).^[1][2] They have organized the annual awareness day, World COPD Day, every November since 2002.^[3]

This organization issues recommendations for the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and related medical conditions. GOLD issued its first formal recommendations in 2001.^[2] Their approach departed from previous medical guidelines in two significant respects:

• Previous recommendations were usually written by groups of experts, usually from a single medical specialty, partly on the basis of their own experiences.^[2] They were the first to evaluate the levels of evidence that supported their recommendations.^[2] GOLD's approach to evidence-based medicine was more rigorous than the previous COPD recommendations, but other organizations, including the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, use more complex systems.^[2]
• GOLD's recommendations are also updated more frequently than was typical in the past.^[2] This allows the recommendations to include newer evidence.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a widespread and progressive lung disease that affects millions of people worldwide.^[4] Despite its prevalence, COPD often goes undiagnosed and untreated, leading to significant health complications and reduced quality of life for those affected.^[5]

The GOLD grading system for classifying the severity of COPD is widely used worldwide.^[6]

To address this issue and raise awareness about COPD, the creation of World Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Day^[7] presents a crucial opportunity to educate the public, support patients, and advocate for better policies and resources to combat this chronic condition.^[8]

The inaugural World COPD Day took place on November 14, 2002, initiated by GOLD in collaboration with health professionals and COPD patient groups. Since then, it has become a crucial event in the global fight against COPD.^[9] World COPD Day is observed annually on the third Wednesday of November. This global initiative aims to raise awareness about Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), its risk factors, prevention, and management. It serves as a platform for health care professionals, patient groups, and communities to come together and advocate for better lung health.^[10]

• Raising Awareness: World COPD Day aims to raise awareness about Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) globally. It educates the public, health care professionals, and decision-makers about COPD risk factors, symptoms, and management.^[11]
• Improving Healthcare Standards: The initiative strives to improve healthcare standards for patients with COPD. By disseminating knowledge and promoting best practices, it contributes to better patient care and outcomes.^[12]
• Community Engagement: World COPD Day draws attention from the community, public health professionals, and policymakers. It encourages collective efforts to develop programs for early detection, prevention, and control of COPD.^[13]

The theme for World COPD Day 2022 was “Lung Health for All”. It emphasized the global impact of major respiratory diseases, including COPD, and highlighted the effects of COVID-19, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Early detection and reducing health inequalities were key messages.

The 2023 theme for World COPD Day is “Breathing is Life - Act Earlier”. This theme underscores the importance of early lung health, early diagnosis, and prompt interventions. COPD can start early in life, affecting young individuals, and identifying precursor conditions allows for timely treatment.^[14][15]