As per the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) report, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) has emerged as the second most significant contributor to death and disability-adjusted life years in India, after heart disease. Owing to its fatal nature, this disease is highlighted annually on World COPD Day, observed every year on the third Wednesday of November.

The theme for this year, "Breathing is Life – Act Earlier," underscores the importance of preserving healthy lungs for overall well-being. The central idea is to stress the urgency of early intervention, particularly in light of the worsening air quality index in the burgeoning metropolises of India.