The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, has called on pharmaceutical companies and importers to take full advantage of government waivers in order to make inhalers more affordable and widely available to Nigerians.
Prof. Pate made this request on Tuesday in Abuja during the observance of World Asthma Day, with this year’s theme being “Make Inhaled Treatments Accessible for All.”
In his address, the Minister reiterated the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare’s dedication to reducing the impact of asthma in Nigeria and ensuring equitable access to essential inhaler treatments for all citizens.
Asthma, a chronic respiratory condition, affects millions around the world, including a significant proportion of the Nigerian population. According to 2020 data from the World Health Organization (WHO), Nigeria reported 8,192 asthma-related deaths, accounting for 0.55% of the total death rate, ranking the country 58th globally. These figures underscore the critical need for action to strengthen efforts in asthma prevention, diagnosis, and management nationwide.
In response to these challenges, the Federal Government has taken decisive steps to ease access to care and improve asthma outcomes through various strategic initiatives aligned with this year’s World Asthma Day theme.
Prof. Pate highlighted that one of the key interventions is the government’s removal of import duties on vital pharmaceutical products, including inhalers, which aims to make life-saving asthma medications more affordable and accessible to Nigerians.
Additionally, he mentioned that national policies developed under the Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD) Control Programme are being implemented to improve asthma prevention, control, and management. Primary Healthcare (PHC) services are also being strengthened to serve as the first point of contact for asthma care, especially in rural and underserved areas with limited access to specialists.
The integration of the Nigeria Package of Essential Non-Communicable Disease Prevention and Control (NIG-PEN) into PHC services has also been a significant development. This initiative ensures early diagnosis, regular screening, and ongoing management of asthma and other non-communicable diseases.
“These efforts align with the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative, reinforcing our commitment to Universal Health Coverage, where no Nigerian is left behind in accessing affordable, high-quality healthcare,” Pate affirmed.
The Minister further called on healthcare providers to focus on asthma education, early diagnosis, and the correct treatment protocols. He also urged families and communities to support patients by promoting adherence to treatment and fostering asthma-friendly environments.
Lastly, Prof. Pate appealed to civil society organisations and the media to help raise awareness and combat the stigma often associated with asthma. He called for collective action to ensure that the ability to breathe freely is seen not as a luxury, but as a basic right accessible to all Nigerians.