The Forum of International Respiratory Societies (FIRS) has recently launched a report on World COPD Day entitled Respiratory diseases in the world. Realities of Today – Opportunities for Tomorrow. [1]

The report features five major disease areas, including COPD, which is the fourth leading cause worldwide. It also includes 10 key recommendations that FIRS considers to be essential to help reduce the burden of COPD and all respiratory diseases.

This is the first time that experts from the world's leading lung organisations have come together to call for a worldwide effort to improve healthcare policies, systems and care delivery to make a positive difference to the lung health of the world.

For further information please contact: Lauren Anderson, European Lung Foundation, [email protected] [2]