…………..Breathing Shouldn’t Be a Privilege-Make Inhalers Accessible Now!
Today, as we join the global community to commemorate World Asthma Day 2025, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare reiterates its unwavering commitment to reducing the burden of asthma and ensuring equitable access to life-saving inhaled treatments for all Nigerians.
- Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease that affects millions globally, including a significant number of Nigerians. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) 2020 data, Nigeria recorded 8,192 asthma-related deaths, accounting for 0.55% of total deaths, placing us 58th globally. These figures are a sober reminder of the urgent need for collective action to strengthen asthma prevention, diagnosis and, management in our country.
- In line with this year’s theme, “Make Inhaled Treatments Accessible for All,” the Federal Government has taken deliberate steps to reduce barriers to care and improve asthma outcomes through the following strategic interventions:
Key Federal Government Efforts:
i. Waiver of Import Tariff Duties for essential pharmaceutical products, including inhaled medications, to make them more affordable and accessible .
ii. Development and Implementation of National Policies under the Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD) Control Programme aimed at asthma control and management
iii. Strengthening Primary Healthcare Services as the first point of contact for asthma care, especially in underserved and rural communities.
iv. Integration of the Nigeria Package of Essential Non-Communicable Disease Prevention and Control (NIG-PEN) into Primary Health Care services, ensuring early diagnosis, routine screening, and sustained management of asthma and other NCDs.
- These actions reflect our strategic alignment with the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative and our commitment to Universal Health Coverage, where no Nigerian is left behind in accessing quality, affordable healthcare.
- A Call to Action – I call on healthcare providers to prioritize asthma education , early diagnosis, and proper treatment protocols. Pharmaceutical companies and importers to take full advantage of government waivers and scale up the availability of affordable inhalers. Civil society and media partners to intensify awareness campaigns and fight stigma around asthma. Communities and families to support those living with asthma by encouraging adherence to treatment and promoting 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.
Together, we can make a difference.
Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, CON
Coordinating Minister of Health
and Social Welfare
Federal Republic of Nigeria
6 May, 2025
