WHO Envoy Calls for Global Action on Asthma Treatment and Patient Access

• World Health Organisation (WHO) Special Envoy on chronic respiratory diseases, José Luis Castro, calls for global action to close gaps in asthma treatment and patient access.
• Millions of people continue to suffer from asthma despite the availability of effective medicines.
• The WHO estimates that asthma affects 363 million people and results in about 442,000 preventable deaths annually.
• The organisation aims to achieve equitable care in asthma by 2027, ensuring universal availability of essential asthma medicines.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has highlighted the need for global action to address the persisting gaps in asthma treatment and patient access. According to WHO estimates, asthma affects 363 million people worldwide, resulting in about 442,000 preventable deaths annually. The organisation has set ambitious targets, including the universal availability of essential asthma medicines by 2027, demonstrating its commitment to addressing this chronic respiratory disease.

Mr. Castro, WHO Special Envoy on chronic respiratory diseases, emphasised the importance of addressing asthma as a public health priority. He noted that the science behind effective treatments, such as inhaled corticosteroids, exists, but access remains inconsistent, particularly in low and middle-income countries.

Background: The Global Burden of Asthma

Asthma is a widespread respiratory disease that affects millions of people worldwide. The WHO estimates that asthma affects 363 million people, with the majority residing in low and middle-income countries. The disease poses a significant public health challenge, with preventable deaths occurring annually due to inadequate access to effective treatment and management. Asthma is a chronic condition characterised by recurring episodes of wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath, often triggered by environmental factors such as air pollution and tobacco smoke.

The global burden of asthma has been increasing over the years, with the WHO reporting a significant rise in asthma-related deaths in low and middle-income countries. The organisation attributes this trend to the limited availability of diagnostic tools, such as spirometry, and the high cost of essential medications. In Ghana, the Ghana Health Service estimates that between five and 10 percent of the population lives with asthma, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to address this public health challenge.

The Importance of Equitable Access to Asthma Care

Equitable access to asthma care is crucial for effective management of the disease. Mr. Castro emphasised the need for health leaders to invest in primary healthcare and ensure universal availability of essential asthma medicines by 2027. This includes the integration of lung health services into primary care, including routine diagnosis by 2028, and achieving measurable reductions in uncontrolled asthma and avoidable hospitalisations within five years.

The WHO's efforts to improve access to asthma care are guided by its commitment to achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC). UHC aims to ensure that everyone has access to essential health services, including prevention, treatment, and management of chronic diseases like asthma. The WHO's goal is to ensure that all people have access to quality healthcare, regardless of their geographical location, socio-economic status, or other factors.

The Role of Environmental Factors in Asthma

Environmental factors play a significant role in the development and exacerbation of asthma. Mr. Castro highlighted the impact of air pollution, tobacco smoke, and biomass smoke on respiratory health. In Ghana, urban centres such as Accra and Kumasi experience high levels of air pollution, which contributes to the worsening of respiratory conditions. The WHO recommends that governments take steps to reduce air pollution, implement tobacco control measures, and promote clean energy sources to mitigate the effects of environmental factors on asthma.

Looking Ahead: A Collaborative Approach to Asthma Management

The WHO's call for global action on asthma treatment and patient access highlights the need for a collaborative approach to addressing this chronic respiratory disease. The organisation's targets, including the universal availability of essential asthma medicines by 2027, demonstrate its commitment to ensuring equitable access to care. The Ghana Health Service's efforts to address asthma in the country, including the integration of lung health services into primary care, are steps in the right direction. A collaborative approach to asthma management, involving governments, healthcare providers, and patients, is essential for achieving the WHO's ambitious targets and improving the lives of people living with asthma.