Understanding the Global Impact of Asthma
On World Asthma Day, with the theme “Making inhalation treatments accessible to ALL,” it’s crucial to revisit this condition affecting millions globally. The World Health Organization estimates that asthma affects around 262 million people worldwide, causing approximately 455,000 annual deaths. Prevalence ranges from 5-10% of the population, with children aged 5 to 9 and older men and women experiencing the highest mortality rates.
The Nature of Asthma
Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease causing breathing difficulties, coughing, wheezing, and sleep disturbances. In severe cases, it significantly deteriorates quality of life.
The Focus: Access to Inhalation Treatments
Despite advancements, lack of access to essential inhalation medications remains a significant issue, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where 96% of asthma deaths occur. Key medications include corticosteroids inhaled (ICS) and short-acting beta-agonists (SABA), crucial for controlling inflammation and providing rapid symptom relief.
Economic Barriers in Low- and Middle-Income Countries
Limited availability of these essential medications in low- and middle-income countries stems from economic and logistical factors. The monthly cost of a salbutamol inhaler for intermittent asthma treatment varies considerably, representing 0.47 to 3.33 days’ wages across these countries. Availability in pharmacies ranges from nearly 0% to 30%, with significant disparities between private and public pharmacies.
Importance of Access to Inhalation Treatments
Access to inhalation treatments is vital for effective asthma management. In low-income countries, most asthmatic patients receive treatment only during severe asthma crises at healthcare facilities or hospitals.
Pharmacoeconomic Perspective
From a pharmacoeconomic viewpoint, covering inhalation treatments like ICS/SABA combinations is highly cost-effective compared to managing patients with severe asthma exacerbations. Regular ICS use significantly reduces severe exacerbations, hospitalizations, and emergency room visits—all high-cost clinical events for healthcare systems.
Global Best Practices
The Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) recommends using ICS/formoterol or ICS/SABA combinations as rescue therapy even in mild cases to reduce inflammation early and prevent disease progression. This strategy not only improves clinical outcomes but also optimizes resource use, making it a sustainable and equitable health investment.
Call to Action on World Asthma Day
As we observe World Asthma Day, it’s time to move from diagnosis to action. Governments, health organizations, pharmaceutical industry, and civil society must collaborate to ensure equitable access to inhalation treatments. Investing in availability, education, and therapeutic adherence saves lives and strengthens healthcare systems.
Author Background
*The author is an expert in public health policies, having worked with various associations and the pharmaceutical industry. They have also contributed academically to these fields.
