Dato Lukanisman Awang Sauni Deputy Minister Of Health, Ministry Of Health Malaysia officiated the launch of World COPD Day, organized by the Family Medicine Specialists’ Association (FMSA) and supported by AstraZeneca. This year’s COPD theme is “Know Your Lung Function”.

In conjunction with the COPD launch which is in alignment with the Ministry of Health’s Lung Health Initiative the Malaysia COPD whitepaper was also launched.

1. The Burden and Challenges of COPD

COPD is a chronic lung disease that obstructs airflow from the lungs, leading to breathing difficulties, cough, mucus production, and wheezing. Affecting millions of individuals worldwide, COPD does not discriminate by age, gender, or socioeconomic status. 

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that COPD will become the third leading cause of death globally by 2030, underscoring the urgency of addressing this disease head-on.

In Malaysia, COPD is a significant public health concern, with rising prevalence and mortality rates that exceed the global average. In 2022, chronic lower respiratory diseases were the seventh leading cause of death in Malaysia, with COPD accounting for approximately 2,270 deaths. 

The major risk factors for COPD include long-term exposure to cigarette smoke, air pollution, occupational dust and chemicals, and genetic predisposition. These factors contribute to the debilitating symptoms of COPD, significantly impacting patients’ quality of life and their families.

2. Addressing Underdiagnosis

One of the major challenges associated with COPD is its underdiagnosis. Many people with COPD are unaware they have the disease, as symptoms can be mistaken for normal aging or other conditions. This delay in diagnosis and treatment can lead to severe health complications and reduced life expectancy. Awareness – this is crucial, in alignment with this year’s COPD theme – “Know Your Lung Function.” How many of us in this room actually know how healthy our lungs are?

To combat this, we need to improve access to diagnostic tools and services, not just raise awareness, especially among high-risk populations. We must educate not only the public but also primary care practitioners to screen, diagnose, and optimally manage high-risk patients, particularly those presenting with chronic cough, shortness of breath, or frequent respiratory infections. This is where our first line of defense – general practitioners (GPs), Klinik Kesihatan (KK), and Family Medicine Specialists (FMS) – plays a critical role in improving patient outcomes.

3. Enforcing Act 852

The Malaysian government has begun enforcing Act 852, which imposes strict regulations on the sale and display of tobacco and vape products. The Act prohibits the sale of these products through online platforms and vending machines with immediate effect, while businesses must comply with the retail display ban by April 2025.

These measures aim to reduce the accessibility and visibility of tobacco and vape products, ultimately contributing to public health efforts to curb smoking and vaping, especially among youths. By limiting exposure and ease of purchase, these regulations are expected to significantly decrease smoking and vaping behaviors, thereby helping to combat the burden of COPD.

4. Public-Private Partnerships

In Dato Lukanisman’s speech, he emphasised that It is our shared duty to strengthen the healthcare ecosystem to support those living with COPD. Collaboration with private organizations, sharing best practices, and supporting clinical research and development efforts are integral to improving diagnosis rates, advancing treatment options, and ultimately reducing the burden of COPD on patients. Public-private partnerships within and beyond the health ecosystem are essential to drive sustainable healthcare for the benefit of all.

Conclusion

On this World COPD Day, Dato Lukanisman urges everyone to take a moment to learn about COPD, its risk factors, and its impact. The fight against COPD is a collective effort, and with continued support and dedication, Dato Lukanisman stressed that we can make a significant difference in the lives of those affected by this disease.