Life Sciences Policy, research + analysis

Change that can’t wait: Reducing the human and economic burden of COPD in Australia

October 2025

Change that can’t wait: Reducing the human and economic burden of COPD in Australia

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is one of Australia’s most common chronic diseases, and yet one of the most overlooked in our national health policy response. It is our fifth highest cause of mortality and disease burden, representing four per cent of all deaths in Australia each year, equivalent to 7,600 people. [1,2]

Despite having best-practice clinical guidelines and access to treatments, those with the disease face repeated exacerbations, progressive decline, and reduced quality of life from the chronic disease. [3, 4] It is preventable and treatable – yet shockingly common.

This is also a burden shared inequitably, with COPD disproportionately affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and those in rural, regional and socioeconomically disadvantaged areas.

Across the nation, this burden is proving costly. As a chronic disease affecting over half a million Australians, COPD accounts for significant personal, healthcare and societal costs.

$4.85 billion lost in patient and carer productivity in 2024 [1]
$1.67 billion in annual costs to the healthcare system from COPD in 2024 [1]
$24.98 billion in economic burden of COPD in 2024 [1]

Missed opportunities to optimise care in earlier stages of COPD are a key driver of these mounting costs. Those with moderate and severe disease account for 87 per cent of these personal, healthcare system and societal costs. [3] This also means they represent significant potential in reducing this burden.

“In 2025, COPD is a disease of hope – and we can help our patients.”

– Dr Sanjay Ramakrishnan, Respiratory Physician

This is where the opportunity lies. Not only is COPD preventable and treatable, but there are many opportunities to better manage care for moderate and severe disease. Current and emerging treatments can stabilise the disease, reduce the frequency and severity of exacerbations, and help Australians with COPD stay well, out of hospital, and connected to work, family and community.

“Early diagnosis and best practice management reduces symptom burden and prevents exacerbations, enabling patients to do more with better quality of life for longer.”

– Dr Christine Jenkins, Respiratory Physician

Our report examines how with better care, preventable hospitalisations, disease burden and mortality can be reduced, and the direct, indirect, and burden of disease costs can be curbed. It proposes five recommendations that, if actioned, can pave the path forward and give new hope to all Australians living with COPD.

Boost spirometry utilisation in primary care to enable early and accurate COPD diagnosis and monitoring

Expand partnerships and programs to improve alignment to clinical care standards

Expand and fund programs that better manage transitions of care and optimise treatment

Fund pulmonary rehabilitation programs via the MBS

Create partnerships to support research and data collection on COPD care gaps and outcomes

References

Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. 2024 [cited 2025 January 29]; Available from: https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/chronic-respiratory-conditions/copd.
Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care. New standard to tackle chronic lung disease missed in half of patients. 2024 [cited 2025 January 29]; Available from: https://www.safetyandquality.gov.au/newsroom/latest-news/new-standard-tackle-chronic-lung-disease-missed-half-patients#_edn2
Evohealth, Evohealth economic model for moderate to severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). 2025.
Yang, I., et al. The COPD-X Plan: Australian and New Zealand Guidelines for the Management of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease 2024. 2024; Available from: https://copdx.org.au/copd-x-plan/.
Lung Foundation Australia. Overview: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. 2024; Available from: https://lungfoundation.com.au/patients-carers/living-with-a-lung-disease/copd/overview/.