World Asthma Day: No Nigerian should be denied access to life-saving inhalers — Health Minister
In observance of World Asthma Day 2025, the Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to ensuring that inhaled treatments are both accessible and affordable for all Nigerians.
Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, made the statement on Tuesday, asserting that access to life-saving inhalers is not a privilege but a fundamental right that should be available to every Nigerian.
Speaking in line with this year’s global theme, “Make Inhaled Treatments Accessible for All,” the Minister outlined the government’s comprehensive strategy to reduce the impact of asthma and improve the availability of treatment nationwide.
Asthma continues to present a significant public health challenge in Nigeria, with over 8,000 lives lost annually, according to data from the World Health Organization.
In his statement, Prof. Pate detailed the government’s strategic interventions, including the removal of import duties on essential pharmaceutical products such as inhalers, the introduction of national policies under the Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD) Control Programme, and the strengthening of primary healthcare services, particularly in underserved rural areas.
“These actions are part of our broader goal to achieve Universal Health Coverage and ensure no Nigerian is left behind when it comes to accessing quality, affordable care,” the statement read.
Prof. Pate also called on all relevant stakeholders to take proactive steps in addressing the issue. He urged healthcare providers to prioritise asthma diagnosis and treatment, encouraged pharmaceutical companies to take advantage of government incentives to increase the availability of inhalers, and appealed to civil society organisations and the media to raise awareness and challenge the stigma surrounding asthma.
He stressed the importance of community and family involvement in creating supportive environments for people living with asthma, adding, “Let us all work together to ensure that breathing freely is not a luxury, but a right—accessible to every Nigerian, everywhere.”
