Global community unites to raise awareness of bronchiectasis

MIAMI (June 24, 2026) – The Bronchiectasis and NTM Association joins nearly 30 patient advocacy organizations and professional societies around the world in recognizing the fifth annual World Bronchiectasis Day on Wednesday, July 1, 2026.

Bronchiectasis (BE) is a chronic lung disease characterized by enlarged airways that are thickened and/or scarred. Once considered a rare condition, bronchiectasis is now being diagnosed more frequently as awareness grows and advances in imaging and research improve understanding of the disease. Yet many people continue to experience delays in diagnosis, limited access to specialized care, and challenges managing the daily impact of this chronic lung disease.

World Bronchiectasis Day serves as a global call to action to increase awareness, improve education, and advance research and care for the hundreds of thousands of people living with bronchiectasis in the United States and more than one million people worldwide.

“This day is a powerful reminder of how far the bronchiectasis community has come and how much opportunity lies ahead,” said Tim Aksamit, M.D., medical director of the Bronchiectasis and NTM Association and a pulmonology and critical care medicine physician at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn. “In recent years, we’ve seen growth in research, greater recognition of the disease, and new treatment options. Every story shared, every conversation started, and every new person who learns about bronchiectasis helps move the field forward. World Bronchiectasis Day demonstrates the power of a united global community working toward better outcomes for everyone affected by this disease.”

Throughout July, organizations around the world will share educational resources, personal stories, expert insights, and community events designed to elevate the voices and experiences of those affected by bronchiectasis. Activities will highlight the importance of early diagnosis, disease management, research participation, and access to specialized care.

In addition, 64 landmarks across the United States, England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Australia, and New Zealand will illuminate blue to raise awareness of bronchiectasis in the first “BE the Light” campaign.

World Bronchiectasis Day’s international planning committee is co-chaired by Dr. Aksamit and Professor James Chalmers, MBChB, PhD, EMBARC Chair and British Lung Foundation Chair of Respiratory Research at the University of Dundee, Scotland.

World Bronchiectasis Day is generously supported by Insmed Incorporated, Boehringer Ingelheim, Zambon, Baxter, Electromed, and Monaghan.

For more information about World Bronchiectasis Day and a full list of activities and resources, visit WorldBronchiectasisDay.org.

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About the Bronchiectasis and NTM Association

The Bronchiectasis and NTM Association is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to improve the lives of people with bronchiectasis, nontuberculous mycobacterial lung (NTM) disease, or both conditions. The Association accomplishes this by providing education, supporting advocacy, furthering research, and advancing high-quality, specialized care. For more information, visit www.bronchandntm.org.

Contact:
Brittany Irish
805-465-2497
brittany@bronchandntm.org