Increase in asthma cases attributed to under reporting, poor air quality and limited access to inhalers – World Asthma Report
With asthma affecting over 262 million people globally and leading to more than 450,000 deaths annually, the disease remains a significant public health challenge, particularly in low- and middle-income countries like Ghana.
In Ghana, asthma continues to take a heavy toll on both young and old. Asthma-related hospital admissions account for up to 10% of all pediatric cases, and the disease contributes to high mortality rates, particularly in underserved communities. Poor air quality, coupled with limited access to essential inhaled medications, worsens the situation.
Speaking at the commemoration of the World Asthma Day held at Trust Hospital’s Premium Centre in Accra, Dr. Juliana Oye Ameh, Chief Executive Officer of the Trust Hospital, emphasized the need for urgent policy reforms and greater investment in asthma care.
She described asthma as not just a personal health issue but a national crisis, urging for better infrastructure to improve access to essential treatment.
“Currently, only one in three asthma patients in Ghana receives the proper inhaled treatment. This is unacceptable and a national emergency. Asthma remains one of the leading causes of hospital admissions, especially among children,” Dr. Ameh stated.
Asthma is a global health issue, with an estimated 250 million people living with the disease. The World Health Organization reports that nearly 1,000 people die every day from asthma-related complications, most of these deaths occurring in low- and middle-income countries.
The Global Asthma Report 2022 highlighted that 96% of asthma-related deaths occur in these countries, where access to preventive inhalers is often limited or unavailable. Despite inhaled medications being the gold standard for asthma management, a significant number of patients continue to suffer due to poor access and inadequate management.
Dr. Nana Ama Abankwah, the Chief of Medical Staff at Trust Hospital, raised concerns over the rise of adult-onset asthma, which remains underreported in Ghana and other parts of Africa. She warned that without proper awareness and diagnosis, more people will be at risk of severe asthma attacks that could lead to unnecessary deaths.
“Adult-onset asthma is becoming increasingly prevalent, yet it is often overlooked. It’s important that we shift our focus and enhance diagnosis, particularly for adults who may not display traditional symptoms,” Dr. Abankwah explained.
In response to these challenges, Trust Hospital has taken proactive steps by launching specialized asthma clinics that provide personalized care plans for patients. These clinics focus on educating patients on proper asthma management and the correct use of inhalers.
As Ghana continues to grapple with the burden of asthma, the call for greater access to life-saving treatments and policy reforms is more urgent than ever. Only through collective efforts can the country make strides in improving asthma care and reducing preventable deaths from the condition.
