World Asthma Day: LASUTH Calls For Greater Awareness
The Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) has raised concerns over the rising burden of asthma in Nigeria. The hospital is calling for urgent improvements in public awareness and access to inhaled medications.
This appeal came during a World Asthma Day event held on Tuesday in Lagos. The program was organized by LASUTH’s Respiratory Unit in partnership with the Ikeja Local Government Area.
World Asthma Day is marked globally on the first Tuesday of May. It is dedicated to raising awareness and promoting better control of the chronic lung disease. This year’s theme, “Make Inhaled Treatments Accessible for ALL”, focused on the need for fair access to asthma medication.
Speaking at the event, Dr Oluwafemi Ojo, LASUTH’s Deputy Director of Clinical Services and a consultant pulmonologist, said over 20 million Nigerians live with asthma. Globally, the disease affects more than 300 million people and causes about 450,000 deaths annually.
Dr Ojo noted that many asthma patients struggle to afford or even find inhalers. He blamed this on the withdrawal of major pharmaceutical firms from Nigeria, which has led to limited supply and high costs.
To address the crisis, he urged the federal government to support local production of inhalers. According to him, this would reduce costs and lessen Nigeria’s dependence on imported drugs.
He also called for the inclusion of inhalers on the national essential medicine list. In addition, he recommended that asthma treatments be fully covered under the National Health Insurance Scheme, especially for low-income earners.
Dr Ojo stressed the need to update treatment approaches. He cautioned against relying on short-acting beta-2 agonists like salbutamol, which provide only temporary relief. Instead, he advised wider use of inhaled corticosteroids, which target the root cause of asthma—airway inflammation.
“The global standard is changing. Inhaled corticosteroids help prevent severe attacks and improve long-term control,” he said.
Read Also: Priscilla Otti Launches Immunization Campaign For Kids
The hospital is also promoting a more collaborative approach to care. Dr Ojo called for partnerships between sectors to advance asthma research and management. He urged patients to avoid known triggers, follow treatment plans, and stay in contact with healthcare providers.
The event included free lung function tests for over 100 people. Some patients received inhalers to kickstart their treatment and were linked to follow-up care at LASUTH.
Also speaking, Dr Oluwatoyin Ojo, Director of Pharmacy at LASUTH, highlighted the pharmacist’s role in asthma control. She emphasized the importance of educating patients, ensuring medication adherence, and teaching proper inhaler techniques.
“Combining reliever and controller medications is key to preventing avoidable deaths,” she said.
The day featured a public awareness walk, free screenings, and educational sessions. LASUTH also engaged community members on how to manage asthma effectively.
According to the World Health Organization, asthma is the most common chronic illness in children and a major health concern for adults. Symptoms include coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness—caused by inflammation and narrowing of the airways.
Experts agree that with the right medication and care, people with asthma can lead full, active lives.
Content Credit | Ajibola Emmanuel
Image Credit | newsband.in
