Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has risen to become the third leading cause of death worldwide and is underfunded, under-prioritised and undertreated. Despite its prevalence and considerable cost to healthcare systems, COPD is relatively unknown by both the public and policymakers. A lack of understanding, misperceptions and negative bias surrounding COPD impacts timely and quality care for people with the disease. More severe COPD, meanwhile, is associated with higher healthcare utilisation, placing strains on already overstretched healthcare budgets. Better ways are urgently needed to address the significant burden that COPD places on both patients, carers and society.

The COVID-19 pandemic has put respiratory care in the spotlight and highlighted gaps that need urgent attention. With world policymakers now focused health and respiratory diseases, there is an opportunity to push for higher prioritisation and reform in the broader respiratory disease space. Policy change in the way we prevent, diagnose, and treat COPD care could play a considerable role on the recovery of healthcare systems post-pandemic, making them more sustainable and more resilient to future challenges.

Recognising the significant economic and social benefits that can accrue, some governments are making progress in promoting COPD and other respiratory diseases as priorities in their health systems’ long term care plans, but much more needs to be done. Meanwhile, many real-word examples are emerging of policy and practice that can improve outcomes for people with the disease.

The Financial Times, in partnership with AstraZeneca is honoured to host this exclusive virtual webinar for stakeholders in the global respiratory community and for those impacted by or engaged in the care of patients with COPD. Join an esteemed panel of health policymakers, leading clinicians and patient representatives as they discuss the path forward for improving respiratory strategies across governments, with sustainable and measurable impacts for patients.

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Z4-39027 | October 2021 

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