The Federal Government has expressed commitment to reducing the burden of asthma and ensuring equitable access to life-saving inhaled treatments for all Nigerians.
The government also called on pharmaceutical companies and importers to take full advantage of government waivers and scale up the availability of affordable inhalers.
Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease that affects millions globally, including a significant number of Nigerians. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) 2020 data, Nigeria recorded 8,192 asthma-related deaths, accounting for 0.55 per cent of total deaths, placing the country 58th globally.
Speaking at the event to mark the 2025 World Asthma Day in Abuja, themed: “Make Inhaled Treatments Accessible for All,” Minister of Health, Prof. Muhammad Pate, noted that these figures are a sober reminder of the urgent need for collective action to strengthen asthma prevention, diagnosis and, management in our country.
Pate said the Federal Government has taken deliberate steps to reduce barriers to care and improve asthma outcomes. He listed key Federal Government efforts including waiver of import tariff duties for essential pharmaceutical products, such as inhaled medications, to make them more affordable and accessible, development and implementation of National policies under the Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD) Control Programme aimed at asthma control and management.
Other interventions include strengthening Primary Healthcare Services as the first point of contact for asthma care, especially in underserved and rural communities and 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.
The minister observed that these actions reflect strategic alignment with the Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative and commitment to Universal Health Coverage, where no Nigerian is left behind in accessing quality, affordable healthcare.
He called on healthcare providers to prioritise asthma education, early diagnosis, and proper treatment protocols. Pate also appealed to the civil society and media partners to intensify awareness campaigns and fight stigma around asthma.
The minister further urged 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,” he added.
