Lungnet

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease is Australia's fourth biggest killer and the third leading cause of disease burden - after heart disease and stroke.  The Australian Lung Foundation has estimated that over 1 million people in Australia have COPD, with recent research showing that as many as 1 in 6 people have COPD.

Alarmingly, of those with COPD only 25% know it.  This means that the vast majority of those with COPD are not taking the crucial steps necessary to manage their condition and stem its progress.

In addition to its human toll, the economic toll of COPD is equally alarming.  The Australian Lung Foundation estimates that the direct and indirect costs of COPD are over $800 million every year. 

Despite these grim statistics, COPD is not yet recognized by the Commonwealth Government as one of its health care priorities. 

To address this, The Australian Lung Foundation's COPD National Program has an active advocacy program.

The Australian Lung Foundation submission to the National Health & Hospital Reform Commission, May 2008

Northern Centre for Lung & Sleep Health: A Proposal to the Northern Territory Government and the Commonwealth, May 2008

COPD:Knocking the Wind out of Over One Million Australians - A funding submission to the Commonwealth Government, November 2007

The Australian Lung Foundation submission to the Inquiry in Health Funding July 2006

The Australian Lung Foundation Advocacy Document November 2004

Content updated July 11 2008