By Stanley Senya
Accra, May 22, GNA- The Trust Hospital has called for better access to inhale medications for asthma patients in Ghana.
Dr. Juliana Oye Ameh, Chief Executive Officer of Trust Hospital, described asthma as a pressing public health challenge, not only in Ghana but also across the developing world.
Dr Ameh made the call when Ghana joined the global observance of World Asthma Day 2025 with a renewed focus on equitable respiratory care.
The event brought together medical professionals, patients, health advocates, and stakeholders on the global theme: ‘Make Inhaled Treatment Accessible to All’.
The occasion served as both a moment of awareness and a platform to advocate for systemic improvements in asthma management.
She said, “Asthma is not only a personal health concern; it is a public health challenge.”
Over 96 per cent of asthma-related deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries, where access to essential life-saving inhalers is often limited or completely unavailable.
Asthma currently affects more than 262 million people globally and causes over 455,000 deaths each year.
In Ghana, the disease remains a significant factor in hospital admissions and mortality, particularly among children and adults living in underserved communities.
Dr. Ameh mentioned that the hospital had a dedicated asthma clinic designed to provide patients with targeted support through personalized care plans and education.
She shared the story of a mother whose child, previously struggling with recurrent asthma attacks, now thrives in school after receiving regular care from the clinic.
She emphasised the need for collective action to reverse the current trend, adding that the situation in Ghana was no different, as asthma remained a significant cause of illness and stakeholders must change the narrative.
Dr. Ameh said this year’s event was supported by the pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca, whose partnership with Trust Hospital emphasised a shared commitment to enhancing access to asthma care.
“Together, we commit to ensuring that everyone in Ghana can access proper asthma treatment. Their vision aligns closely with our own goals,” she added.
“Together, we can prevent unnecessary deaths, enhance the quality of life, and offer hope to millions affected by asthma in Ghana and worldwide,” Dr Ameh added.
Mrs. Dorothy Arthur, a Representative of AstraZeneca, speaking on asthma management techniques, emphasised the proper use of inhaler devices.
She advocated the Turbuhaler, an easy-to-use device designed to provide more consistent medication doses.
“Proper inhaler technique is crucial for ensuring that patients receive the full benefits of their medication,” she explained.
Dr. Allen Steele-Dadzie, a Senior Specialist in Family Medicine and Asthma Care, emphasized that while asthma was manageable, it was not curable.
He advocated early diagnosis and highlighted the importance of enrolling in asthma clinics to ensure proper monitoring and timely initiation of the right medications.
GNA
Edited by CA/