Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has a significant negative impact on quality of life, yet is under-prioritised, underfunded and undertreated compared with other non-communicable diseases. In November, FIP was part of a coalition of healthcare professions and the pharmaceutical industry calling on governments and healthcare system leaders to recognise COPD as a public health priority, to address the significant burden that this disease places on patients and societies and to help ensure people living with COPD feel empowered to speak up. The joint declaration called for investment in quality COPD services and national respiratory strategies (similar to national programmes foroncology and diabetes) to support public health interventions and health service transformation, while measuring progress against the Sustainable Development Goals. A recent Lancet Commission noted that factors such as air pollution are likely to overtake tobacco smoking as the leading cause of COPD. In 2022, FIP continued to raise awareness of pharmacists’ roles in reducing the health impact of pollution through two digital events.

QUOTE: “FIP’s endorsement of the Speak Up for COPD Joint Declaration holds great value as it demonstrates commitment by the pharmacy profession to work with patient advocates, clinicians and other stakeholders to address the burden of COPD on a global scale. The endorsement also provides a strong message to policymakers, highlighting the importance of COPD as a public health issue, and the need for sustained action and investment in research and treatment. We are thrilled to welcome FIP as partners in the Speak Up for COPD coalition.” — Tonya Winders, president and CEO, Global Allergy and Airways Patient Platform and Speak Up for COPD coalition chair