As Zimbabwe joins the global community in commemorating World Asthma Day today, health advocates are calling for urgent action to improve access to inhaled treatments for the estimated 600,000 people living with asthma across the country.
Led by the Zimbabwe NCD Champions Network, the call to action comes amid concerns that many asthma patients are unable to access inhaled corticosteroids—life-saving medications critical for managing the chronic respiratory condition—due to high costs and limited availability in public and private healthcare facilities.
Jacob Ngwenya, Director of the Zimbabwe NCD Champions Network, stressed the importance of making inhalers more accessible.
“We believe that every individual with asthma deserves access to effective treatment and care,” he said. “It is unacceptable that so many continue to suffer because they cannot afford or find the medication they need.”
Asthma affects approximately 4.5% of adults and 6.5% of children in Zimbabwe, posing a significant public health challenge that places pressure on families and the already stretched health system. Experts warn that lack of treatment increases the risk of severe attacks, hospitalization, and even death—many of which are preventable with proper management.
The theme for this year’s World Asthma Day, chosen by the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA), is “Make Inhaled Treatments Accessible for ALL”. It underscores the global push to eliminate disparities in asthma care, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.
The Zimbabwe NCD Champions Network is urging government policymakers, healthcare providers, and pharmaceutical companies to collaborate in making essential asthma medications more affordable and widely available.
“Improving access to inhaled treatments will not only save lives but will also reduce the burden on our health services,” Ngwenya said. “We need a unified commitment to making asthma care a public health priority.”
