As Nigeria prepares to join the rest of the world in commemorating the 2025 World Asthma Day on May 6, a leading chest physician and President of the Asthma & Chest Care Foundation, Prof. G. E. Erhabor, has called for improved asthma education, evidence-based management, and urgent national policy reforms to address the growing public health burden posed by the condition.
Prof. Erhabor made the call during a health seminar held on Saturday, May 3rd, at the Spokesman Medicare Conference Centre, Adesanmi Bus Stop, Ife-Ibadan Road. The seminar was organized by the Asthma & Chest Care Foundation in collaboration with the Respiratory Unit of the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex (OAUTHC), Ile-Ife.
Themed “Bridging the Gap Between Knowledge and Practice,” the seminar brought together medical professionals, health workers, and residents, focusing on the need to translate medical knowledge into actionable strategies for improving patient outcomes.
In his keynote address, Prof. Erhabor noted that although asthma is a treatable and manageable condition, misinformation, delayed diagnosis, and poor treatment adherence continue to undermine effective control, leading to avoidable complications and fatalities.
He pointed out that reliance on myths, herbal remedies, and unverified practices is still prevalent among many Nigerians. Emphasizing the importance of proper medical care, he warned against self-treatment and non-professional advice.
"Please, don’t stay at home. When your child has asthma, consult a healthcare professional," he advised. "As of today, there is no herbal remedy that I know of that can control asthma.”
Addressing the broader challenges of asthma management, Prof. Erhabor advocated for a shift toward objective, evidence-based practices. He called for the use of measurable diagnostic tools, structured treatment protocols, and continuous monitoring to ensure better outcomes across healthcare systems.
He also highlighted the role of lifestyle and general wellbeing in managing chronic diseases like asthma. According to him, personal health habits significantly impact disease outcomes and productivity.
"Like every other disease in the world, you have to maintain good health—eat well, sleep well, and worry less," he said. "Your productivity improves significantly when you take care of your body. Don’t wait for disease to strike before you raise the alarm.”
Prof. Erhabor emphasized the importance of early diagnosis, proper inhaler use, and long-term treatment plans anchored in education and empowerment for both patients and caregivers. He also called for the training of frontline health workers and the integration of asthma protocols into routine healthcare services.
On policy, he advocated for the inclusion of asthma medications in the national essential medicines list, government subsidies for inhalers, and the implementation of widespread public awareness campaigns. According to him, these reforms should be data-driven, equity-focused, and supported by sustained public health efforts.
He urged a multi-sectoral approach that includes schools, workplaces, and community spaces as platforms for asthma education, stressing that long-term impact requires collaboration, investment in infrastructure, and a culture of preparedness.
The event featured insightful panel discussions led by Professor Erhabor, a distinguished figure in the medical field. He was joined by other seasoned health professionals who enriched the discourse with their expertise.
Among them were Professor O. Awopeju, a Consultant Chest Physician and Professor of Medicine at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex (OAUTHC), Ile-Ife; Dr. F. Kehinde, also a Consultant Chest Physician at OAUTHC; and Pharmacist Folasade Lawal, the Project Coordinator of the Nigeria Asthma Control Programme.
Their contributions provided a comprehensive and multidisciplinary perspective on respiratory health and asthma management.
Founded in 1997, the Asthma & Chest Care Foundation, formerly known as Asthma and Chest Concerns, is a community-based NGO dedicated to improving respiratory health.
Through education, patient support, professional training, and public awareness programs, the foundation works across diverse communities to help individuals with asthma, tuberculosis, and other lung diseases breathe better and live healthier lives.
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