Lagos State University Teaching Hospital calls for greater public awareness of asthma symptoms and improved access to inhaled treatments, emphasizing affordability and local production

[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) has issued a strong call for increased public awareness regarding the symptoms of asthma and for significant improvements in access to effective treatment, particularly inhaled medications.

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This plea was made during a World Asthma Day event organized by the hospital’s Respiratory Unit in collaboration with the Ikeja Local Government Area on Tuesday in Lagos.

World Asthma Day, observed annually on the first Tuesday in May, serves as a global platform to raise awareness about asthma and promote optimal management of this chronic respiratory disease.

The theme for 2025, “Make Inhaled Treatments Accessible for ALL,” underscores the critical and urgent need for equitable access to essential asthma medications for all individuals affected by the condition.

Dr. Oluwafemi Ojo, Deputy Director of Clinical Services at LASUTH and a consultant pulmonologist, highlighted the significant global impact of asthma, affecting over 300 million people worldwide and contributing to over 450,000 deaths each year.

In Nigeria alone, more than 20 million individuals live with asthma, which profoundly affects their physical, socio-economic, and emotional well-being, as well as that of their families.

Dr. Ojo identified the high cost and limited availability of inhalers, exacerbated by the departure of key pharmaceutical companies from the Nigerian market, as a major impediment to effective asthma management.

He urged the Federal Government to prioritize the creation of a favorable environment for local pharmaceutical companies to commence the production of inhalers.

“To address this, the Federal Government must create a conducive environment for local pharmaceutical companies to produce inhalers. This would reduce reliance on foreign exchange and lower production costs,” said Dr. Oluwafemi Ojo, Deputy Director of Clinical Services at LASUTH.

This strategic move would reduce dependence on foreign exchange and ultimately lower production costs, making these essential medications more affordable.

Furthermore, Dr. Ojo advocated for the inclusion of inhalers on the list of essential medicines and their integration into the national health insurance scheme, particularly to improve accessibility for low-income earners who are disproportionately affected by the cost barrier.

Dr. Ojo also advised medical practitioners to shift away from relying solely on short-acting beta-2 agonists like salbutamol as the primary treatment for asthma.

He explained that while these drugs provide temporary relief, they fail to address the underlying cause of asthma, which is airway inflammation.

He emphasized the global trend towards the use of inhaled corticosteroids, which directly target and reduce airway inflammation, significantly lowering the risk of asthma exacerbations.

In addition to advocating for policy changes and treatment advancements, Dr. Ojo called for enhanced inter-sectoral collaboration in research to develop more effective asthma management strategies.

He also encouraged patients to proactively avoid known asthma triggers, strictly adhere to their prescribed treatment plans, and maintain close communication with their healthcare providers.

“Our aim today is to advocate for better asthma care and accessibility,” Dr. Ojo stated. “We’ve already conducted over 100 free lung function tests and distributed inhalers to some patients to initiate treatment and connect them to continued care at LASUTH.”

Also speaking at the event, LASUTH’s Director of Pharmacy, Dr. Oluwatoyin Ojo, stressed the critical importance of combining reliever medications with inhaled corticosteroids to prevent avoidable asthma-related deaths.

She highlighted the pivotal role of pharmacists in providing patient education, ensuring medication adherence, training patients on proper inhaler techniques, and addressing potential side effects – all crucial factors in achieving effective asthma control.

The World Asthma Day event at LASUTH featured an advocacy walk to raise public awareness, free lung function screenings for community members, and educational sessions focused on understanding asthma and the correct use of inhaler devices.

The World Health Organisation identifies asthma as a leading non-communicable disease affecting both adults and children, and the most common chronic illness among children.

Its characteristic symptoms, including coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness, result from inflammation and narrowing of the small airways in the lungs.

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The WHO emphasizes that with appropriate inhaled medication and proper management, individuals with asthma can effectively control their condition and lead active, healthy lives.