Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a significant cause of ill health, disability, health care utilisation and premature mortality for Aboriginal Australian adults in the Northern Territory (NT). Whilst smoking is the major cause another likely important factor is ongoing bacterial lung infection. Azithromycin is an antibiotic that is currently used for other infections. It works against the common causes of chest infections, it only needs to be given once a week and is safe when used over a long period in other conditions. This study aims to see whether taking weekly azithromycin for a year as compared with placebo/inactive tablet can improve the health of Aboriginal adults with COPD.

The potential significance of this project is to identify new treatments for COPD for Aboriginal Australians living in the NT and elsewhere in Australia that are effective as well as appropriate, acceptable and sustainable for primary health care to deliver.