WORLD LUNG DAY 2024

World Lung Day (WLD) is a global initiative held annually on September 25th to raise awareness and promote action for better lung health. This day celebrates recent advancements in lung care and brings together local and international organizations to launch campaigns that highlight the importance of maintaining healthy lungs. The goal is to reduce the prevalence of lung diseases worldwide. While progress has been made in preventing severe respiratory illnesses, much work remains to ensure optimal lung health and to move closer to a world free from lung disease.

Lungs, vital for gas exchange, are threatened by smoking, pollution, and respiratory infections, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) with limited resources. Over 200 crore people face exposure to harmful smoke, polluted air, and tobacco. Major respiratory diseases include asthma, COPD, lung cancer, tuberculosis, and pneumonia, causing high global mortality. World Lung Day emphasizes the need to raise awareness, prevent, and treat lung diseases, promoting better access to lung health care globally.

World Lung Day (WLD) was initiated during the 2016 FIRS Kyoto Assembly, led by Michiaki Mishima, President of the Forum of International Respiratory Societies (FIRS). FIRS is a global alliance of respiratory societies with approximately 100,000 members, working collaboratively to improve lung health worldwide. Through partnerships with organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO), FIRS aims to raise awareness and promote lung health initiatives across the globe.

This year's theme highlights the connection between air quality and lung health. Clean air is essential to prevent diseases and ensure everyone breathes easy.

Five major diseases COPD, asthma, lung cancer, TB, pneumonia affect millions, especially in low-resource settings.

Simple steps like quitting smoking, avoiding air pollution, eating a balanced diet, and regular checkups.