Millions of people worldwide still struggle with asthma even though effective medicines are available. The World Health Organisation (WHO) Special Envoy on chronic respiratory diseases, José Luis Castro, called for urgent global action to fix this problem. He stated that the gap between life-saving treatments and patients remains too wide.
Mr. Castro pointed out that countries with lower and middle incomes face the biggest challenges in providing consistent asthma care. While science has advanced, fair access to treatment has not kept pace. The WHO estimates that 363 million people had asthma in 2023. This led to approximately 442,000 deaths that could have been prevented each year. Most of these preventable deaths occurred in poorer nations with weaker health systems.
This situation fits into a larger story about global health equity. Many low and middle-income countries, including Ghana, struggle with underfunded health systems. These systems often lack essential equipment for early diagnosis and struggle to ensure a steady supply of necessary medicines. Asthma, a chronic respiratory illness, is a significant burden. In Ghana, the Ghana Health Service (GHS) estimates that 5% to 10% of the population lives with asthma. This percentage is higher for children and people living in cities.
Mr. Castro specifically mentioned the need for health leaders to invest in primary healthcare. He called for universal access to essential asthma medicines by 2027. He also stressed integrating lung health services into everyday healthcare. This includes regular asthma diagnosis by 2028. Measurable improvements in controlling asthma and reducing hospital visits are expected within five years. Sustained political will is crucial for these changes to happen.
Dr. Vishnu Nene Abayateye, a Senior Registrar at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, shared concerns from Ghana. Records from the hospital’s outpatient department in 2025 showed asthma as a leading chronic disease. It caused frequent hospital visits and avoidable admissions. Key barriers include limited access to diagnostic tools like spirometry. The cost and availability of inhaled corticosteroids, a primary asthma medicine, are also significant problems. Furthermore, air pollution in Ghanaian cities like Accra and Kumasi, from dust and smoke, worsens respiratory conditions.
The implications of these findings are significant for public health policy in Ghana and similar countries. There is a clear need for increased investment in primary healthcare facilities. This investment should focus on improving diagnostic capabilities and ensuring affordable access to essential asthma medications. Policymakers must also address environmental factors, such as air pollution, that exacerbate respiratory illnesses. The WHO's targets provide a roadmap for necessary improvements.