Integrating tobacco cessation in chronic respiratory disease care: a comprehensive approach to reducing the global burden

Chronic respiratory diseases (CRDs), identified by the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019 as the third leading cause of death globally, are responsible for 4 million deaths and 454.6 million cases worldwide, with 90% of premature CRD-related deaths occurring in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). 1 Beyond their significant health impact, CRDs impose a substantial economic burden on healthcare systems worldwide. A macroeconomic modelling study spanning 204 countries estimated that chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) alone will cost the global economy an astounding 4 trillion international dollars between 2020 and 2050.2