World Health Organisation (WHO) Special Envoy on chronic respiratory diseases, José Luis Castro, has urged global action to address significant gaps in asthma treatment and patient access, highlighting that millions continue to suffer despite the availability of effective medicines. Speaking to the Ghana News Agency (GNA), Mr. Castro emphasized that while life-saving treatments like inhaled corticosteroids exist, their accessibility remains inconsistent, particularly in low and middle-income countries.
Unequal Access to Essential Medicines
Despite scientific advancements, the translation of progress into equitable asthma care has faltered. “Today, we have the science, we have the medicine, yet for too many, the distance between life-saving treatment and the patient remains far too great,” Mr. Castro stated, underscoring the disconnect between medical capability and patient reality.
The WHO estimates that asthma affected approximately 363 million people globally in 2023, leading to an estimated 442,000 preventable deaths annually. Crucially, the majority of these deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries, regions grappling with challenges in early diagnosis, consistent medicine supply, and long-term patient management.
Environmental Factors and Industry Influence
Beyond treatment access, Mr. Castro raised concerns about environmental factors as major drivers of respiratory diseases worldwide. He also pointed to the continued influence of the tobacco industry, particularly its digital marketing strategies targeting young people, which he described as the “marketing of addiction.”
Addressing asthma effectively requires a multi-faceted approach that extends beyond medication. Environmental triggers and preventive measures are critical components of managing and reducing the burden of the disease.
Call for Investment and Integration
Mr. Castro called upon health leaders to prioritize investment in primary healthcare systems. The goal is to ensure the equitable access and universal availability of essential asthma medicines by 2027.
Furthermore, he urged the integration of lung health services into primary care, advocating for routine diagnosis by 2028. The objective is to achieve measurable reductions in uncontrolled asthma cases and avoidable hospitalizations within the next five years.
Local Perspectives on Asthma Burden
In Ghana, the Ghana Health Service (GHS) reports that an estimated five to 10 percent of the population lives with asthma, with a higher prevalence observed among children and within urban communities. This indicates a significant local burden of the disease.
Dr. Vishnu Nene Abayateye, Senior Registrar in Pulmonology at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, confirmed asthma’s status as a leading chronic non-communicable disease. Records from the hospital’s Outpatient Department in 2025 showed asthma contributing significantly to frequent hospital visits and avoidable admissions.
Dr. Abayateye identified several barriers to effective asthma management in Ghana. Limited access to diagnostic tools like spirometry, coupled with the cost and availability of inhaled corticosteroids, remains a major hurdle for patients. Additionally, urban air pollution in cities like Accra and Kumasi, including exposure to dust and biomass smoke, exacerbates respiratory conditions.
Future Outlook and Watch Points
Mr. Castro reiterated that tackling asthma effectively necessitates sustained political commitment from governments and health organizations worldwide. The focus must shift towards strengthening primary healthcare, ensuring equitable access to diagnostics and essential medicines, and addressing environmental determinants of respiratory health.
Key indicators to watch will be the progress made by 2027 in achieving universal availability of essential asthma medicines and by 2028 in integrating routine lung health diagnosis into primary care. The next five years will be critical in demonstrating measurable reductions in uncontrolled asthma and hospitalizations, signaling whether global efforts are translating into tangible improvements for millions suffering from this chronic condition.
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