By Fatima Saka
As the world marks World Asthma Day 2025, Nigeria’s Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, has called on healthcare workers to prioritize asthma education, early diagnosis, and proper treatment protocols, emphasizing that “breathing shouldn’t be a privilege—make inhalers accessible now!”
In a press statement issued Tuesday, Professor Pate reaffirmed the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare’s commitment to reducing the burden of asthma and ensuring equitable access to life-saving inhaled treatments across Nigeria.
“Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease that affects millions globally, including a significant number of Nigerians,” he noted.
Citing the World Health Organization (WHO) 2020 data, Professor Pate said that Nigeria recorded 8,192 asthma related deaths, accounting for 0.55% of total deaths, placing the country 58th globally. These figures are a sobering reminder of the urgent need for collective action.
Aligned with this year’s theme, “Make Inhaled Treatments Accessible for All,” Professor Pate outlined several strategic interventions by the Federal Government aimed at improving asthma outcomes:
Waiver of import tariff duties on essential pharmaceutical products, including inhalers, to enhance affordability and access.
Development and implementation of national policies under the Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD) Control Programme focused on asthma management.
Strengthening primary healthcare services as the frontline for asthma care, particularly in underserved and rural areas.
Integration of the Nigeria Package of Essential Non-Communicable Disease Prevention and Control (NIG-PEN) into primary health services, ensuring early diagnosis, routine screening, and sustained care.
“These interventions are part of our strategic alignment with the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative and our broader goal of achieving Universal Health Coverage—ensuring no Nigerian is left behind in accessing quality and affordable healthcare,” the minister stated.
Call to Action
Professor Pate also urged pharmaceutical companies and importers to leverage the government’s tariff waivers to improve the availability of affordable inhalers. He called on civil society and media partners to intensify awareness campaigns and combat stigma surrounding asthma.
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“Families and communities must support people living with asthma by encouraging treatment adherence 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,” he added.
