Explore the COPD Index
The Launch of the COPD Index
Explore 34 countries' approaches to COPD across 45 indicators in the COPD Index.
Examine the Global Impact of COPD
Understand the global impact of COPD on people and health systems.
Respiratory Health Facts
Understand the global impact of COPD.
COPD
300 and 400 million
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) affects between 300 and 400 million people globally, making it the third leading cause of death worldwide.
COPD
45% of the public
45% of the public could not correctly identify COPD as a lung disease despite the fact that it is the third leading cause of death worldwide and kills more people yearly than lung and breast cancer combined.
COPD
600 million
The worldwide prevalence of COPD is likely to increase to 600 million cases by 2050, with the greatest increase among women and in low- and middle-income countries.
Explore the Respiratory Health Initiative Indices.
Understand how health systems around the world address the burden of COPD and severe asthma.
Reports
Review and download the reports for the COPD and Severe Asthma indices.
COPD Index Report
Discover country-specific analysis of 34 OECD countries – including insights for each country – to drive policy action and improve the standard of COPD care.
Severe Asthma Index Report PDF
Discover country-specific analysis of 29 OECD countries – including insights for each country – to drive policy action and improve the standard of severe asthma care.
Severe Asthma Index Data File
Explore the data behind the Severe Asthma Index
About the Respiratory Health Initative
How we help
Our mission is to champion action through evidence-based insights toward the best standard of care for chronic respiratory disease, with a focus on COPD and Severe Asthma.
Who is responsible for the Respiratory Health Initiative?
The Respiratory Health Initative was independently developed by the Copenhagen Institute for Future Studies and is validated by an external independent Steering Committee of experts in the respiratory and health policy spaces
World Health Summit 2024
The World Health Summit 2024 from October 13-15 once again brings together stakeholders from politics, science, the private sector, and civil society from around the world in Berlin, Germany and online. Held under the theme "Building Trust for a Healthier World", WHS 2024 will set the agenda for a healthier future by inspiring innovative solutions for better health and well-being for all.