WORLD ASTHMA DAY 2025: FG Advocates Universal Access To Inhaled Treatments

 

The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has reaffirmed its commitment to tackling asthma in Nigeria as the country joins the global community to mark World Asthma Day 2025, themed “Make Inhaled Treatments Accessible for All”.

The event, observed annually on the first Tuesday of May, aims to highlight the urgent need for equitable access to life-saving inhaled medications, especially in low- and middle-income countries where the burden remains high.

Asthma, a chronic respiratory disease, affects an estimated 15 million Nigerians and continues to rise due to increasing air pollution and urbanization.

According to the World Health Organization, Nigeria recorded over 8,000 asthma-related deaths in 2020, ranking 58th globally. Most asthma deaths are preventable with timely diagnosis and access to effective inhaled treatments, such as corticosteroids and bronchodilators, which remain out of reach for many Nigerians due to cost and availability barriers.

Federal Government Initiatives
The Federal Government has introduced several measures to improve asthma care:

Waived import tariff duties on essential pharmaceutical products, including inhaled medications, to make them more affordable.

Developed and implemented national policies under the Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD) Control Programme targeting asthma management.

Strengthened primary healthcare services, particularly in rural and underserved communities, as the first point of contact for asthma care.

Integrated the Nigeria Package of Essential Non-Communicable Disease Prevention and Control (NIG-PEN) into primary healthcare, ensuring early diagnosis and sustained management of asthma and other NCDs.

These actions align with Nigeria’s Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative and the drive toward Universal Health Coverage, ensuring no Nigerian is left behind in accessing quality healthcare.

Health Minister , Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate urged healthcare providers to prioritize asthma education, early diagnosis, and proper treatment.

He called on pharmaceutical companies to leverage government waivers to increase the availability of affordable inhalers, and encouraged civil society and the media to intensify awareness campaigns and combat stigma. Communities and families are also encouraged to support asthma patients in adhering to treatment and creating asthma-friendly environments.

“Let us all work together to ensure that breathing freely is not a luxury, but a right-accessible to every Nigerian, everywhere,” Prof. Pate stated.

World Asthma Day 2025 serves as a reminder that breathing should not be a privilege. With millions still lacking access to essential inhaled treatments, stakeholders are urged to act now to make equity in asthma care a reality