Chronic respiratory diseases

Chronic respiratory diseases adversely impact the quality of life of affected individuals and can lead to premature death. They also have large adverse economic effects on families, communities and societies in general. WHO/Europe aims to support Member States in their efforts to reduce the toll of morbidity, disability and premature mortality related to chronic respiratory diseases.

What are chronic respiratory diseases?

Top story

Smoking still a core challenge for child and adolescent health reveals WHO report

The latest Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) study focusing on adolescent health and well-being has revealed that levels of cigarette-smoking are worryingly high, particularly among 15-year-olds.

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Personal story of a smoker

Data and statistics

42%

The percentage of chronic respiratory disease worldwide caused by smoking


More data and statistics