Did you know that a silent killer claims over 3.5 million lives every year, equivalent to a plane crashing every hour with no survivors? Yet, this devastating disease remains largely unknown and underfunded. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is the third leading cause of death globally, but its impact is often overshadowed by more publicized health issues. And this is the part most people miss: COPD isn’t just a smoker’s disease—it affects millions worldwide, regardless of their lifestyle, yet its symptoms are frequently dismissed or misdiagnosed.
This year’s World COPD Day theme, “Short of breath, think COPD,” shines a light on the condition’s hallmark symptoms: persistent cough, labored breathing, wheezing, and overwhelming fatigue. These aren’t just minor inconveniences—they’re life-altering challenges for those living with COPD. But here’s where it gets controversial: despite its prevalence and severity, COPD receives a fraction of the media attention compared to diseases like cancer or heart disease. Why is this the case? Is it because COPD is perceived as self-inflicted, or is it simply a matter of awareness?
The Pace University Center for Global Health is tackling this issue head-on, partnering with Mr. José Castro, WHO Director-General Special Envoy for Chronic Respiratory Diseases, and experts from the WHO Department of Noncommunicable Diseases and Mental Health. Together, they’re hosting media workshops for journalists from major outlets to amplify COPD’s story. “COPD is the Cinderella of diseases—often overlooked and hidden in the shadows,” Mr. Castro explains. “These workshops aim to bridge a critical gap in health journalism by highlighting the profound impact of COPD on individuals, families, and society.”
Last week, journalists from South-East Asia and the Western Pacific, including Bangladesh, China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Thailand, gathered in Kuala Lumpur for a three-day immersive workshop. The program combined scientific insights, country-specific COPD data, and firsthand accounts from patients, civil society representatives, and healthcare professionals. And this is the part most people miss: participants left with a transformed perspective, ready to challenge misconceptions and advocate for change.
Take Emalin Zalani, a journalist at Star Health in Malaysia, who shared, “Before this workshop, I’d never written about COPD. Like many, I assumed cancer and heart disease were the only critical public health concerns. These sessions opened my eyes to COPD’s hidden burden and the urgent need for early detection, prevention, and public awareness.”
The impact? Ahead of World COPD Day, participants published compelling stories in leading outlets like the Dhaka Tribune, Philippine Star, Kompas Daily, and Bangkok Post. A similar workshop in Mexico City earlier this year sparked increased coverage of chronic respiratory diseases across Central and South American media. With additional workshops planned for Africa and Europe in 2026, starting in Cape Town, South Africa, the momentum is undeniable.
But here’s the question we leave you with: Why does COPD remain in the shadows, and what can we do collectively to bring it into the spotlight? Is it a failure of awareness, funding, or both? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s start a conversation that could save millions of lives.
