World COPD Day

Be part of a global movement to raise awareness of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and celebrate the benefits of physical activity for lung health.

Join the live broadcast of the Big Baton Pass this World COPD Day – Wednesday 19 November 2025. Like an Olympic Torch relay, the baton will be “passed” virtually across the globe – starting in New Zealand and finishing on the US west coast – with stories, interviews and health information to help people with COPD.

The event will start in New Zealand at 10am. You will hear from the following speakers:

• Joanna Turner (Asthma and Respiratory Foundation NZ) will share various COPD resources for patients and health professionals

• Sarah Candy (Pulmonary Rehabilitation Coordinator) will talk about the Better Breathing Programme – an 8-week programme designed for people with long-term respiratory conditions

• Mersha Shepherd (Community Respiratory Specialist) will discuss community exercise programmes

Following the New Zealand presentations, you will hear from other speakers in Australia and around the world. Topics covered will include the role of different healthcare professionals in pulmonary rehabilitation (PR), how to ask for a referral to PR, how to incorporate yarning circles, hydrotherapy, how to exercise in a changing climate, how to break up sedentary behaviour, how to use wearables and what the metrics mean, how to be active in the home, what spirometry is, and how is it done.

If you are interested in joining the Big Baton Pass, simply head to copdbatonpass.org on the day.