The COPD working group is run under the auspices of the South African Thoracic Society (SATS) by Dr Sabs Abdool Gaffar.

The aim is to improve awareness of this disease and its management. SATS is made up of health-care providers involved in the care of patients with respiratory disorders. The SATS website has more information about the organisation.

Pulmonologists are specialists involved in the care of patients with respiratory diseases such as COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease).

A Pulmonologist is a Specialist Physician who has spent an extra two years training in a recognised centre to manage such patients. At the end of the two years he / she has to pass an examination to be registered as a Pulmonologist with the Health Professionals Council of South Africa.