FG Orders Immediate Availability of Inhalers as World Marks Asthma Day
...Breathing Shouldn’t Be a Privilege – Make Inhalers Accessible Now," Says Health Minister on World Asthma Day 2025
As the world marks World Asthma Day 2025, Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring equitable access to life-saving inhaled treatments, echoing this year’s global theme: “Make Inhaled Treatments Accessible for All.”
Speaking at a press briefing, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, CON, emphasized the importance of inclusive asthma care, stating, “Breathing freely should not be a luxury but a right—accessible to every Nigerian, everywhere.”
Prof. Pate highlighted the burden of asthma in Nigeria, referencing World Health Organization (WHO) 2020 data, which reported 8,192 asthma-related deaths, accounting for 0.55% of total deaths in the country and placing Nigeria 58th globally. “These figures are a sober reminder of the urgent need for collective action to strengthen asthma prevention, diagnosis, and management,” he said.
In line with the theme of the year, the Minister outlined key strategic interventions aimed at removing barriers to asthma care:
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 control.
Strengthening of primary healthcare services, especially in underserved and rural areas, to serve as the first point of contact for asthma care.
Integration of the Nigeria Package of Essential Non-Communicable Disease Prevention and Control (NIG-PEN) into primary healthcare services to ensure early diagnosis, routine screening, and sustained asthma management.
“These efforts reflect our alignment with the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative and our broader goal of Universal Health Coverage,” the Minister added.
Prof. Pate issued a national call to action: “I urge healthcare providers to prioritize asthma education, early diagnosis, and proper treatment protocols. I call on pharmaceutical companies and importers to leverage government waivers and increase the availability of affordable inhalers.
I ask civil society and the media to step up awareness campaigns and fight stigma. And I encourage families and communities to support those living with asthma by promoting treatment adherence and asthma-friendly environments.”
“Together, we can make a difference,” he concluded.