COPD affects more than 392 million people worldwide, with many cases still undiagnosed or mismanaged, especially in low- and middle-income countries. Once considered primarily a “smoker’s disease,” COPD today is increasingly linked to environmental and occupational exposure, such as air pollution, biomass fuel, and poor indoor ventilation — affecting men, women, and even non-smokers.
This year’s focus is on changing perceptions, raising awareness and early detection.
Professor Tarek Safwat, Professor of Pulmonology at Ain Shams University and President of the Egyptian Scientific Society of Bronchology, emphasized that COPD develops gradually and often goes unnoticed for years. He highlighted that early diagnosis significantly improves patients’ quality of life.
Professor Mohamed Zidan, Professor of Pulmonology and Allergology, Alexandria University, stated "We are entering a transformative phase in respiratory treatment. By identifying specific patient subtypes, we are able to move from one-size-fits-all to precision care. This is especially crucial for Egypt, where environmental triggers are widespread."
Prof. Hosam Hosny
Professor of Chest Diseases, Kasr Al-Aini faculty of Medicine, stressed that “COPD should not be viewed as a punishment for smoking. Rather, it is a serious chronic disease that can also affect non-smokers. He affirmed that every patient deserves attention, support, and proper medical care—regardless of the underlying cause of their condition.”
Dr. Wagdy Amin
Head of Chest Dept at the Ministry of Health and Population, emphasized the importance of public health collaboration:“Raising COPD awareness is not just a medical mission — it’s a national responsibility. By working together across sectors to ensure earlier detection, equitable access to care, and a better quality of life for thousands of Egyptians living with COPD.”
Marwan ElBagoury
Sanofi Africa Medical Head – Pharma Ad Interim mentioned: “At Sanofi, we recognize that cleaner air means healthier lungs. That’s why our mission goes beyond drug development — it’s about reshaping the future of respiratory health through partnerships, science, and education."
As part of World COPD Day, awareness sessions were conducted for physicians, public health professionals, and Sanofi employees, emphasizing that every breath matters — and every patient deserves a chance at a better life.”
In line with Sanofi’s sustainability ambition to tackle the health impact of environmental change, the company is leading efforts not just through medicine but beyond medicine.
More than 70% of Sanofi’s portfolio and 78% of its R&D pipeline address diseases exacerbated by environmental shifts, including air pollution and climate-related respiratory illness.
Short link: