The event, held on the theme 'Access to prevention and treatment for all', was part of activities marking World Lung Day. Besides, the initiative also forms part of efforts designed to raise awareness and galvanize support to combat the threat posed by this lung disease in the country.
Moreover, studies indicate that nearly 16 million Americans are diagnosed and estimates show that up to 16 million more have the disease but are undiagnosed. Experts also believe cases of COPD are expected to increase worldwide due to exposure to smoke, pollution and other inhaled irritants.
Speaking the event, Dr. Olumuyiwa Owolabi, clinical coordinator and clinician at MRCG @LSHTM, Medical Research Council TB Clinic, Fajara, said the initiative is to join global efforts to raise awareness about threat posed by lung disease in the country.
He said the disease is becoming a common problem in the country and globally.
Dr. Owolabi reminded that September 25 each year is marked as World Lung Day and that the event would help galvanize their efforts to raise more awareness on the threat the disease poses.
He described COPD as a growing problem across the globe which many people didn’t know about and that the campaign is to increase awareness in communities.
"Unfortunately, many people that have this disease didn't know that they have it. So, this awareness forum would help communities to know the existence of COPD and its causes."
The event, he added, is a great opportunity for people to get tested for COPD free of charge, further calling on smokers to come forth and check the health of their lungs.
Dembo Sanneh, assistant Commissioner of Police, Kanifing West and a participant, expressed delight to be associated with the event.
He equally spoke about the importance of the initiative, which he said, has given them good insight into some of the problems related to lung disease.
The event, he added, also taught them about some of the preventive measures one can could do to avoid COPD, further expressing his resolve to share the information with colleagues.
Garanke Jallow, a resident of Kerr Sering and Yuma Lowe of Old Yundum, both participants, expressed similar sentiments.
They both commended MRC-LSHTM for the foresight to sensitise communities about the threat posed by this growing health concern.
