World chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is recognised on the second or third Wednesday of November. This year it falls on November 14th. This day was setup to raise awareness and improve care for patients all over the planet. This day was first held in 2002 and every year over 50 countries worldwide take part in activities to raise awareness. Each year GOLD (Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease) promotes the awareness day by choosing a theme and sending out materials to health care professionals, people from the education sector and members.