Nigeria yet to ascertain data about asthmatic patients as World records 417,918 deaths

The Federal Ministry of Health has said no fewer than 417,918 asthmatic deaths occurred in 2016 out of over 339 million people battling with the disease globally as Nigeria yet to have nationally representative data on the lung disease.

It is, however, reported that between June 2017 and March 2018, Ozoh O.B, Aderibigbe S.A, Ayuk A.C, Desalu O.O, Oridota O.E, Olufemi O, et al. (2019) conducted a cross-sectional population survey of 20,063 participants from 6,024 households across Lagos, Kano, Ilorin, Enugu and Benin-city.

The survey participants included children and adolescents (6-17 years) and adults (18 years and above).

Their findings show that the prevalence of physician-diagnosed asthma was 2.5 per cent, clinical asthma 6.4 per cent and wheeze 9.0 per cent.

Other studies show there are myths and misconception about asthma that should be addressed if we must improve on asthma control in society.

Therefore, the theme for this year’s event “Uncovering Asthma Misconception” is therefore apt.

According to a press statement emanated from the Minister of Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire, on the Commemoration of 2021 World Asthma Day, on Tuesday said, as part of the national response to asthma and other Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), The Federal Ministry of Health in collaboration with stakeholders are raising public awareness and educating people about asthma.

He also said the Ministry has developed and implementing the National Multi-Sectoral Action Plan for the Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (2019-2025) with clear strategies to address NCDs including asthma across relevant sectors.

Ehanire stressed that because tobacco use including exposure to second-hand smoke is a recognised trigger for asthma, the Ministry is leading and coordinating other sectors in the implementation of the World Health Organisation Framework Convention on Tobacco Control and Nigeria’s National Tobacco Control Act, 2015.

“The Ministry is mobilising resources to commence implementation of Nigeria Package of Essential Non-Communicable Diseases including asthma at Primary Health Care level.”

“This year, Nigeria will conduct a nationwide household survey of Non-Communicable Diseases to determine the prevalence of Non-Communicable Diseases including asthma in the country.”

“In this year’s commemoration of the World Asthma Day, the take-home message is that there is a need to change misconceptions about asthma.

“Also, to note that asthma has a significant impact on public health and asthma cannot be cured but can effectively be managed.

“Asthma attack can be prevented and controlled by complying with treatment advise,” Ehanire stated.

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FULL TEXT: A viral post on WhatsApp is asking N-Power candidates to verify the status of their application and see if they have been shortlisted for the batch C cash grant…Nigeria yet to ascertain data about asthmatic patients as World records 417,918 deaths

Nigeria yet to ascertain data about asthmatic patients as World records 417,918 deaths